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I never begged Wike for money — Abati responds to Olayinka’s claims

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Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and co-host of Arise TV’s The Morning Show, has denied claims made by Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, that he and his wife once solicited financial assistance from the minister.

He also denied the allegations which have been circulating in the media.

On Friday’s show, Olayinka accused Abati of being a supporter of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

According to him, Abati’s absence from the program on Friday was not accidental but a decision by management due to his alleged bias.

However, co-host Rufai Oseni disagreed with this claim and explained the actual reason for Abati’s absence.

He also stated that Abati and his wife were among those who had solicited financial help from Wike, a claim that Abati, however, has firmly denied.

 

“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money. That is a lie. If anyone including an ex-partner went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, I place a clear disclaimer,” the statement reads.

“Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.

Abati denied being politically intertwined with Amaechi.

“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.

“I was not absent from The Morning Show on Friday to avoid any discussion. I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson Live and Legend”, a 550-page publication by Dr. Udu Yakubu. It was an honourable intellectual commitment.

Abati described Olayinka’s comments asking him to resign from his media office and become the spokesperson for Amaechi as inappropriate.

“I stand firmly by everything I said regarding Minister Wike. He is a public official occupying a public office. He is, and should remain, subject to public scrutiny. Nobody in public service is above accountability.”

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Constitutional review: Nigeria needs inclusive, restructured economy – Otti

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for a practical and people-focused approach to constitutional reforms in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, economic restructuring to achieve national unity.

Speaking at the South East zonal public hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution on Saturday, Governor Otti stressed that the Nigerian constitution must evolve with the dynamic aspirations of the citizens.

Represented by his Deputy, Ikechuckwu Emetu, Governor Otti highlighted the importance of inclusivity in governance, citing Abia State’s approach to resource allocation and decision-making as a model.

He noted that the legitimacy of a constitution in a pluralistic society like Nigeria depends on the contributions of all ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.
and expressed reservations about creating of new States, citing enormous cost implications and potential expansion of bureaucracy.

Speaking further, the Abia Governor supported the creation of State Police, but emphasized the need for clear standards for leadership, coordination, recruitment, accountability, and human rights protection when created.

He cautioned on full local government autonomy, warning of increased financial and bureaucratic burdens and
advocated for constitutional recognition of free and compulsory basic education, emphasizing the need for increased financing and quality delivery.

Governor Otti also cited Abia State’s recent electricity reforms as a case study in the positive impact of constitutional changes. .

Following amendments that allowed sub- national entities to participate in the electricity sector, he said Abia established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) and received regulatory oversight from the national commission (NERC) which he said has empowered Abia to take control of its energy future.

In his speech, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described the hearings as “a national conversation” that must produce a constitution that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

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A 93-year-old man has shared his secret to a long and healthy life: quitting beer.

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In an inspiring revelation, he disclosed that he stopped drinking beer in 1975, a decision that has not only improved his health but also helped him save a significant amount of money.

According to the man’s account, abstaining from beer has had numerous health benefits. Research supports this claim, highlighting that quitting alcohol can.

Improve Heart Health: Lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart failure
Enhance Liver Function : Allow the liver to heal and function normally, reducing the risk of liver disease

Boost Mental Clarity: Improve memory, nervous system function, and overall mental well-being

Promote Weight Loss :  Reduce calorie intake and support a balanced diet and exercise

Reduce Cancer Risk : Lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including liver, throat, and stomach cancer

The man advises young people to avoid habits and diets that pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being. His story serves as a testament to the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices.

– Quitting beer can lead to significant health improvements
– Abstaining from alcohol can reduce the risk of chronic diseases
– Healthy habits can contribute to a long and fulfilling life

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Alleged $6b Mambilla Project Fraud: Court Admits more Evidence against Agunloye

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Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, admitted additional evidence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against a former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye.

Agunloye is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on seven-count charges, bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion US Dollars).

 

The additional evidence are an investigation report of the Mambila HydroElectric Power Project, the defendant awarded to Sunrise Power &Transmission Company Limited and a warrant of arrest on Jide Sotinri. They were marked “Exhibit EFCC R and S.”

During the day’s proceedings, Agunloye through his counsel, Adeola Adedikpe, SAN informed the court of his application for the release of his passport to enable him travel abroad for medical evaluation.

 

Responding to the application, prosecution counsel, M.K Hussain asked the court for more time to enable him study the application and file his reply.

The judge adjourned till Thursday, July 17, 2025 for the the hearing of the overseas medical trip application.

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