The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri over his concerns about a planned rally in support of Wike.
Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, dismissed Diri’s alarm as “shamefully baseless.”
He argued that if Wike were attending a rally in Bayelsa, he would personally inform security agencies, making Diri’s concerns unnecessary.
“It is so unfortunate that a governor with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally, which is their right to hold,” Olayinka said.
He stressed that Nigerians have the right to support anyone, anywhere, and at any time. “Is this how much the governor is afraid of Wike? Can the governor stop people from holding rallies in the state if they want to?” he asked.
Olayinka also ridiculed Diri for calling a Security Council meeting and consulting the Bayelsa Elders Council over what he described as mere speculation. “Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa State has become? Must he use Wike as a cover-up for his failure in governance and politics?” he questioned.
Furthermore, Olayinka accused Diri of hypocrisy, recalling how the governor had previously sought Wike’s support for his re-election. “When he was seeking re-election, this same Diri was brought to Wike, like a thief in the night. He was brought by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri. David Lyon came with him then.
“As he was kneeling down, begging Wike to support him, he (Wike) was telling him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that.’
“Shamefully, the same Wike has now become someone he goes about disparaging, just to cover up his inadequacies. So obvious that some people don’t have conscience and it’s unfortunate.”
Governor Diri had earlier raised concerns over the planned rally and the inauguration of a group loyal to Wike, warning that such a gathering could trigger tensions and lead to a crisis in the state.
The governor argued that holding such an event amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State could escalate ethnic tensions and spread unrest to Bayelsa.
Diri also referred to Wike’s previous remarks about putting fire in PDP-governed states.
He said, “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state.”
