In a harsh attack on Nigerian journalist Reuben Abati, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka accused him of bias and unprofessional behavior in an interview on Arise News this morning, according to Arise Television..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
According to reports, Olayinka’s comments coincide with a raging political spat between Wike and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, which is intensifying political tensions in Nigeria.
In an interview with Arise News at 8:00 AM WAT, Olayinka claimed that well-known broadcaster Abati had compromised journalistic objectivity by siding with Amaechi. Referring to Abati’s recent criticism of Wike, Olayinka said, “Reuben Abati is here to push Amaechi’s agenda, not to report the truth.” Abati had called Wike “disrespectful and rude” on Tuesday for ignoring Amaechi’s words about famine in Nigeria, saying the former governor’s remarks were driven by politics.
However, Olayinka redoubled her efforts, calling Abati a hypocrite. Amaechi says he’s hungry after 23 years in office. He stated in the interview that Abati ought to feel embarrassed to support such a story. Olayinka also claimed that Abati’s journalistic duty was compromised and requested that he resign from Arise TV. Olayinka stated, “Journalism demands fairness, not favoritism,” and that Abati should formally accept the position if he wishes to serve as Amaechi’s spokesperson. Later in the day, the aide again re-posted Abati’s social media post on X with the comment, “I AM COMING!” in an apparent attempt to get even.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>