‘You are not my peer’ Reuben Abati rebuts allegations by Wike’s aide, Lere

Veteran journalist and Arise News anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has issued a firm and detailed response to allegations made against him by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The claims, made during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Friday, June 6, 2025, prompted Abati to publicly set the record straight in a strongly worded rebuttal.

In a statement titled “Refutation on Lere Olayinka’s Interview on Arise News – The Morning Show, June 5, 2025,” Abati categorically denied ever soliciting funds from Minister Wike, describing the claim as “a lie.”

He clarified that if any individual, including a former associate, approached Wike under false pretences using his name, such actions were unauthorized and fraudulent.

“Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud,” Abati stated.

The respected broadcaster also addressed reports of his past invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), explaining that it was a lawful, procedural engagement and that at no time was he asked to refund any money.

He further disclosed that the EFCC, under its former chairman, Ibrahim Magu, later issued a formal apology to him.

Abati took exception to Olayinka’s use of the word hubris, describing it as a misuse of language and stating that the FCT Minister’s aide is “not my peer.”

He added, “I await a more meaningful conversation — if any — from his principal, not his proxy.”

Rebuffing another claim, Abati denied any connection with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. “I do not have Rotimi Amaechi’s phone number, nor do I represent him in any capacity. That’s a fabrication,” he declared.

Explaining his absence from The Morning Show on the day in question, Abati revealed that he was engaged in a pre-scheduled book review event for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend”, a 550-page biography authored by Dr. Udu Yakubu, describing it as “an honourable intellectual commitment.”

Reaffirming his position on public accountability, the seasoned journalist stood by his earlier criticism of Minister Wike.

“He is a public official occupying a public office and must remain subject to public scrutiny. Nobody in public service is above accountability,” he maintained.

On the contentious mention of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, Abati stressed that allegations against the late politician were never proven in any court of law, describing any continued amplification of those accusations as “ethically questionable and in poor taste.”

Abati expressed gratitude to his Arise News team, particularly colleagues Rufai Oseni and Vimbai, for their professionalism amidst the controversy. He also paid tribute to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, acknowledging her unwavering support.

He concluded the statement with a call for integrity and boldness in public discourse, praying for “true transparency, integrity, and boldness in Nigeria’s public affairs.”