Veteran journalist and broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati, has publicly refuted the claims made against him by Lere Olayinka during an appearance on Arise News’ The Morning Show on Friday, June 5, 2025. In a press statement, Abati described the allegations as false, defamatory, and completely fabricated.
Abati firmly denied ever approaching the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to ask for money. According to him, if anyone, including a former associate; used his name to solicit funds from Minister Wike, they did so without his knowledge or consent. “That is fraud, and Minister Wike has every right to call it out,” he stated.
Addressing insinuations about his past with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abati clarified that he was only invited for questioning during the tenure of former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, and was never asked to refund any money. He added that Magu even later apologized to him, putting to rest any suggestion of guilt or wrongdoing.
Abati criticized Lere Olayinka’s language and conduct, particularly the misuse of the word “hubris” during the interview. He dismissed Olayinka’s comments, saying he does not consider him a peer and would rather wait for a more meaningful conversation with Olayinka’s “principal,” not a “proxy.”
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He also denied being the spokesperson for former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, stressing that he does not even have Amaechi’s phone number. “That’s a fabrication,” he said.
Contrary to the impression that he was dodging public scrutiny, Abati explained his absence from the June 5 edition of The Morning Show, saying he had a prior commitment to review a 550-page biography titled “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend” by Dr. Udu Yakubu. He described the book review as an “honourable intellectual commitment.”
Reaffirming his earlier stance on Minister Wike, Abati emphasized that public officials must be accountable to the public. He maintained that Wike’s role demands scrutiny and no one in public service is above being questioned.
On the sensitive topic of the late Buruji Kashamu, Abati noted that Kashamu was never convicted of any crime, either in Nigeria or abroad, before his death. He condemned efforts to continue amplifying unproven allegations against the deceased, calling it “ethically questionable” and “in poor taste.”
The statement concluded with appreciation to his Arise TV colleagues, especially Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and the entire crew, for their professionalism and calm under pressure. He also paid tribute to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for being his unwavering support system.
Reuben Abati signed off with a prayer for Nigeria, calling for a nation driven by transparency, integrity, and boldness in public conversation.
