Reuben Abati has refuted allegations that he begged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike for money, calling them a lie.
In a statement, Abati clarified that if anyone solicited funds from Wike in his name, it was without his authorisation and could be considered fraud.
Abati revealed that he was invited by the EFCC for questioning, but was later issued an apology by the agency’s former chairman, Ibrahim Magu.
Abati dismissed Lere Olayinka’s comments on Arise News, on the Morning Show on Friday, June 5, 2025.
”I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money, that is a lie.
”If anyone including an ex-partner went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, I place a clear disclaimer.
”Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud, ” he said.
He described Olayinka’s comments as unworthy, saying he would rather engage in a meaningful conversation with Olayinka’s principal.
Abati also denied being Amaechi’s spokesperson or having his phone number, calling it a fabrication.
According to him, I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.
He explained that he was engaged in a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson Live and Legend” and did not avoid discussion.
”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, ” he added
Abati emphasised the importance of public accountability,, adding that public officials like Minister Wike should remained subject to scrutiny.
He said, ‘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.”
He also highlighted that allegations against the late Buruji Kashamu were never proven in court, and persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste.
”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, ” said.
