I’m not your mate, Reuben Abati refutes Lere Olayinka’s claims on Arise News

Veteran journalist and Arise TV anchor Dr. Reuben Abati has issued a detailed rebuttal to allegations made by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the minister of FCT,  Nyesom Wike, during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Friday, June 6, 2025.

In a strongly worded statement titled “Refutation on Lere Olayinka’s Interview on Arise News – The Morning Show”, Dr. Abati addressed several claims made against him, clarifying his position and reaffirming his stance on public accountability, particularly concerning FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

“I Never Solicited Funds From Wike”

Abati categorically denied ever begging Minister Wike for money, calling the claim an outright lie. He stated that if anyone—possibly even an ex-partner—approached Wike under false pretenses using his name, they did so without his knowledge or approval.

“Such actions were not authorised by me,” Abati said. “Minister Wike reserves every right to call that fraud.”

On EFCC Invitation and Clearance

The respected broadcaster confirmed he was once invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning, like many others, but stressed that it was a lawful and procedural engagement. He emphasized that at no point was he asked to refund any money and disclosed that the EFCC under former chairman Ibrahim Magu later offered him a formal apology.

“Lere Is Not My Peer”

Responding to Olayinka’s accusation of hubris, Abati dismissed the use of the term as both misplaced and poorly understood. He added that he had no intention of engaging in a back-and-forth with Olayinka, whom he described as a “proxy.”

“A basic dictionary reference would have helped,” Abati noted. “I await a more meaningful conversation from his principal, not his proxy.”

Dr. Abati also refuted suggestions that he was a spokesperson or associate of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, calling it a complete fabrication.

“I do not have Rotimi Amaechi’s phone number, nor do I represent him in any capacity,” he clarified.

Abati addressed his absence from The Morning Show episode in question, explaining that he was away due to a pre-scheduled book review event for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend”, a 550-page biography authored by Dr. Udu Yakubu. He described the engagement as “an honourable intellectual commitment,” not an avoidance tactic.

Reaffirming his earlier criticism of Minister Wike, Abati stood by his comments, asserting that public office holders must remain accountable to the people.

“Minister Wike is a public official in a public office,” he stated. “He must be open to scrutiny and cannot be exempt from public accountability.”

Dr. Abati also addressed the controversial mention of late Senator Buruji Kashamu, stressing that all allegations against him remained unproven in court until his death. He described any continued attempt to tarnish Kashamu’s image as ethically troubling.

“Persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste,” he added.

He concluded the statement with heartfelt gratitude to his team at Arise News including Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and the wider production crew for their professionalism during the controversy. He also praised his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her unwavering support.

“Your strength remains my anchor,” he wrote.

Abati ended the note with a prayer for Nigeria, calling for “true transparency, integrity, and boldness in public discourse.”