Leadnaija
Veteran broadcaster and Arise News co-anchor Dr. Reuben Abati has firmly denied allegations that he once solicited financial assistance from Minister Nyesom Wike, describing the claim as “a lie” and “a fabrication.”
In a statement released following an interview on The Morning Show on Friday, June 6, 2025—featuring Lere Olayinka, a known political commentator—Abati addressed multiple claims, including alleged ties to former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, his invitation by the EFCC, and the reasons for his absence from the Friday broadcast.
“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money,” Abati stated. “If anyone—including an ex-partner—went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, place a clear disclaimer. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.”
Addressing suggestions that he acted as a spokesperson for Rotimi Amaechi, Abati dismissed it as falsehood.
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number,” he said bluntly.
On the issue of his previous encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abati clarified that it was a lawful engagement and emphasized that he was never asked to return any funds.
“The EFCC under former Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, later apologized to me,” he added.
He also pushed back against Olayinka’s use of the word “hubris” during the broadcast, stating,
“Lere Olayinka clearly misused the word. A basic dictionary reference would have sufficed. I will not indulge further in responding to him directly; he is not my peer.”
Explaining his absence from The Morning Show on the same day the controversy arose, Abati revealed he was attending a pre-scheduled book review event for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend”, authored by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
“It was an honourable intellectual commitment,” he said.
Abati concluded his statement by reinforcing his stance on public accountability, particularly concerning Minister Wike:
“He is a public official occupying a public office. He is, and should remain, subject to public scrutiny. Nobody in public service is above accountability.”
He also addressed mentions of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, warning against amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased.
Abati extended gratitude to his media colleagues and his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for their unwavering support.
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