Veteran broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati has refuted the claim made Mr. Lere Olayinka that he approached FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and beg for money.
Abati made this known on Friday and declared Olayinka’s statement on Arise TV as blatant lie. He said if anyone including an ex-partner went Wike under false pretences to solicit for funds in his name that such actions were not authorised by him.
He stressed that Wike reserved every right to call it out as fraud.
Dr. Abati said; “Like many others, I was invited by the EFCC for questioning — a lawful and procedural engagement. At no time was I asked to return any money. In fact, the EFCC under Former Chairman, Ibrahim Magu later issued an apology to me.
“Lere Olayinka clearly misused the word “hubris” — a basic dictionary reference would have sufficed. 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.
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication. I was not absent from The Morning Show to avoid any discussion. I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend”, a 550-page publication by Dr. Udu Yakubu. It was an honourable intellectual commitment.
“I stand firmly by everything I said regarding 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.
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“On the matter of Buruji Kashamu, it is important to state that the allegations against him were never proven in any court of law. Until his death, he was never convicted of any crime, either in Nigeria or abroad. Persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste and ethically questionable.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to my diligent team — Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and our wider crew — for standing tall with pose and professionalism. And to my ever-supportive wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, your strength remains my anchor.”
