Nigeria, June 8 -- Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati has dismissed claims by Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, that he and his wife once sought financial assistance from the minister.

Speaking out after Olayinka's on-air accusations Friday, Abati refuted the allegations as "false and defamatory," asserting he never approached Wike for money.

"If anyone did so in my name, it was without my knowledge or consent. That's fraud," he stated.

Olayinka also claimed Abati missed Friday's show due to alleged bias in favour of former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, another charge the former presidential spokesman denied.

"I am not Amaechi's spokesperson, I don't even have his phone number," he sa...