The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has been urged to focus on the critical responsibilities of governance rather than issuing unfounded security alarms regarding a major rally in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, while responding to Governor Diri’s claims that a mega rally and the inauguration of a group loyal to the FCT Minister being planned in the State was capable of igniting avoidable crisis in the state, said the “alarm is shamefully baseless!”
Olayinka expressed disappointment that a Governor with extensive security resources at his disposal would take to national television to voice mere suspicions about a rally, which is a legitimate right of the people. “Nigerians are entitled to express their support for anyone, anywhere, and at any time,” he remarked.
He further questioned, “Is the governor that intimidated by Wike? Can he genuinely prevent people from holding rallies in the State if they choose to?”
Olayinka affirmed that if the FCT Minister were to attend any political rally in Bayelsa or elsewhere, he would notify security agencies himself, emphasising that he has nothing to fear.
He highlighted the absurdity of a governor convening Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings to deliberate on suspicions regarding a rally for Wike, asking, “Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa State has become? Must he use Wike as a smokescreen for his governance and political failures?”
Additionally, Olayinka noted it was ironic that Governor Diri appears to forget that Bayelsa is not Rivers State or the FCT when he sought Wike’s support for his re-election.
“When he was campaigning for re-election, this same Diri was brought to Wike under the cover of darkness. The Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri, accompanied him; David Lyon was with them too.
“As he knelt down, pleading for Wike’s support, Wike told him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that.’
“It is disgraceful that the same Wike, who he once begged for assistance, is now the target of his disparagement, merely to mask his deficiencies. It is painfully evident that some individuals lack a conscience.”
