Veteran journalist Dr Reuben Abati has issued a statement refuting allegations levelled against him by Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during an interview on Arise News. Dr Abati denied approaching Minister Wike to beg for money, describing the claim as 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. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud,” Dr Abati said.

Dr Abati also clarified that he was invited by the EFCC for questioning, but was not asked to return any money. He revealed that the EFCC under former Chairman Ibrahim Magu later issued an apology to him.

The veteran journalist dismissed Lere Olayinka’s claims, saying, “I will not indulge further in responding to him directly; he is not my peer. I await a more meaningful conversation — if any — from his principal, not his proxy.”

Dr Abati further denied being Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson or having his phone number, calling it a fabrication. He explained that his absence from The Morning Show was due to a pre-scheduled book review engagement.

Dr Abati stood firm on his comments about Minister Wike, emphasizing that public officials should remain subject to public scrutiny and accountability. “Nobody in public service is above accountability,” he said.

The schorlarly journalist also addressed the matter of the late Buruji Kashamu, stating that allegations against him were never proven in any court of law. Dr Abati expressed appreciation to his team for their professionalism and his wife for her support.