Dr. Reuben Abati, renowned broadcaster and former media adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has categorically denied allegations that he sought financial assistance from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The allegations emerged after Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to Minister Wike, claimed that Abati and his wife had approached the former Rivers State governor to solicit funds purportedly to resolve a matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Olayinka further accused Abati of acting as an unofficial spokesperson for former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and even suggested he should resign from Arise TV to formally assume the role.
However, in a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Dr. Abati dismissed the accusations as “false, malicious, and entirely fabricated.”
“At no point have I ever solicited money from Minister Wike, directly or indirectly,” Abati declared. “If anyone including a former associate approached him under false pretenses using my name, I completely disassociate myself from such fraudulent actions. Minister Wike, in that case, has every right to treat it as an act of deception.”
Abati emphasized that his encounter with the EFCC was part of a lawful process and not the result of any wrongdoing. According to him, the anti-corruption agency later issued an apology, confirming his innocence.
“Yes, I was once invited by the EFCC, like many others, for routine questioning. At no point was I accused of wrongdoing or asked to refund any money. Eventually, the agency, under the leadership of then-Chairman Ibrahim Magu, extended an official apology to me.”
He also refuted claims of being connected to Rotimi Amaechi in any professional capacity.
“I am not, and have never been, Amaechi’s spokesperson. In fact, I do not even have his phone number,” he said. “The claim is not only false, but also clearly intended to distract from the core issues.”
Addressing the reason for his absence from Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Abati clarified that he was attending a previously scheduled intellectual engagement.
“My absence was due to my participation in the review of ‘Oprah Benson – Life and Legend’, a significant 550-page biography by Dr. Udu Yakubu. It was an honourable event I had committed to well in advance.”
In his statement, Abati reaffirmed his earlier public criticism of Minister Wike, asserting that public officials must remain accountable to the people.
“I stand by every word I said regarding Minister Wike. He occupies a public office and must remain open to public scrutiny. No one in public service should consider themselves above the standards of transparency and accountability.”
Responding to Olayinka’s use of the term “hubris” in his earlier attack, Abati issued a subtle rebuke:
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Olayinka misapplied basic vocabulary in his commentary. I will not respond further to him directly; he is not my peer. If there is a serious conversation to be had, it must come from his principal, not a proxy.”
On the subject of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, Abati also cautioned against perpetuating unproven accusations against the deceased.
“Until his passing, Kashamu was never convicted of any crime, either in Nigeria or abroad. Continuing to amplify unverified claims posthumously is not only ethically wrong but deeply distasteful.”
He concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to his colleagues at Arise TV and his wife for their unwavering support.
“I remain deeply thankful to my colleagues—Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and the entire production team—for their professionalism and resilience. And to my dear wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, your strength is my compass. May Nigeria be blessed with courageous discourse, integrity in leadership, and a renewed commitment to the truth.”
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