Aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has dismissed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s security warning over a planned political rally, calling it baseless and an attempt to shift attention from governance failures.
Governor Diri had expressed concerns about an alleged mega rally and the inauguration of a group supporting FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Bayelsa.
However, Olayinka argued that Wike had no involvement in such activities and would personally inform security agencies if he intended to participate in any political event.
“It is surprising that a sitting governor, with all the security information at his disposal, would go on national television over mere speculation about a rally, which is within people’s rights to hold,” Olayinka stated. “Is he so intimidated by Wike? Can he stop citizens from gathering peacefully in his state?”
He criticized the governor for allegedly using Wike’s name to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings, adding that convening a Security Council meeting over such an issue was unnecessary.
“Is this what governance in Bayelsa has come to? Must Wike always be used as a scapegoat for political and leadership failures?” he questioned.
Olayinka further recalled that Governor Diri had previously sought Wike’s support during his re-election campaign, describing the governor’s recent stance as contradictory.
“When he needed a second term, he was taken to Wike for endorsement by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri, and David Lyon. He even humbled himself to seek support,” Olayinka alleged. “Now, he is attacking the same person just to hide his own failures. It’s unfortunate.”
As political tensions continue to rise, the exchange of words between both camps highlights the growing rivalry over political influence in Bayelsa State.