‘Ridiculous warning’ — Wike’s aide tackles Diri over alarm on ‘planned rally’

Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has criticised Duoye Diri, Bayelsa state governor, over concerns raised about a planned rally in the state.

Diri had alleged that a “mega rally” and the inauguration of a pro-Wike group were being organised in Bayelsa, describing them as a potential security threat.

However, Olayinka dismissed the claim, calling it “unfounded”.

“That alarm is shamefully baseless. It is unfortunate that a governor with access to all security apparatus would go on national television over mere suspicions about people exercising their constitutional right to hold a rally,” Olayinka said.

Olayinka noted that Nigerians are free to support any leader, questioning whether Diri could stop people from organising rallies in Bayelsa if they wished to.

“Is this how afraid Governor Diri is of Wike? Can he stop people from holding rallies in Bayelsa if they want to?” he queried.

Olayinka said if the FCT minister planned to attend any political rally in Bayelsa, he would personally inform security agencies.

“His presence would be obvious because he has nothing to hide,” he said.

Describing the governor’s reaction as “ridiculous”, Olayinka also criticised Diri for convening security and elders’ council meetings over the issue, describing it as an overreaction.

Olayinka further alleged that Diri had previously sought Wike’s support in secret ahead of his re-election campaign.

“Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa has become? Must he use Wike as a scapegoat to cover up his failure in governance and politics?” Olayinka asked.

“When he was seeking re-election, this same Diri was taken to Wike in secret, like a thief in the night, by Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri; David Lyon was with him.

“As Diri knelt, pleading for Wike’s support, Wike told him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that’. But now, the same Wike has become someone he goes about disparaging, just to cover up his inadequacies,” he added.

He said the governor’s actions expose a “lack of conscience”, calling it “unfortunate”.