‘You Knelt Before Wike Seeking His Support, Now You Disparage Him Over Rally’ – Wike’s Aide Blasts Gov Diri

Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly criticized Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, over his concerns regarding a planned rally in the state.

Governor Diri had raised an alarm about a “mega rally” and the inauguration of a pro-Wike group, warning that these events could pose a security threat in Bayelsa. However, Olayinka dismissed these concerns as baseless and unnecessary fearmongering.

Describing the governor’s statement as “shamefully baseless,” Olayinka questioned why Diri, who has access to all security apparatus, would make such claims based on mere suspicions. He argued that Nigerians have the constitutional right to support any political leader and organize rallies without undue interference.

He further challenged Diri’s position, asking whether the governor could lawfully prevent individuals from holding rallies in Bayelsa. According to Olayinka, if Wike intended to attend any political gathering in the state, security agencies would be duly informed, and his presence would be evident as he had nothing to hide.

Olayinka also criticized Governor Diri for convening security and elders’ council meetings over the issue, describing it as an overreaction. He labeled the governor’s response as “ridiculous” and accused him of attempting to use Wike as a scapegoat to mask governance failures.

In a further revelation, Olayinka alleged that Diri had previously sought Wike’s support in secret before his re-election campaign. “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,” Olayinka stated.

Olayinka concluded by stating that Diri’s recent stance against Wike demonstrates a lack of conscience, calling it an unfortunate display of political inconsistency.