The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has been urged to focus on governance rather than raising unfounded security alarms concerning a proposed mega rally in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, reacted to the claim made by Governor Diri that “a mega rally and the inauguration of a group loyal to the FCT Minister was being planned to hold in the state.” Olayinka dismissed the alarm as “shamefully baseless.”
“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 stated.
He emphasized that Nigerians have the right to express their support for anyone, anywhere, and at any time. He questioned the governor’s motives, saying: “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?”
Olayinka further noted that if the FCT Minister planned to attend any political rally in Bayelsa State or elsewhere, he would personally inform security agencies.
“His involvement will be seen because he is not afraid of anything,” Olayinka asserted.
Criticising the governor’s response to the alleged rally, Olayinka described it as “ridiculous” that Diri had to call Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings over the mere suspicion of a rally being planned for Wike.
He remarked: “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?”
Olayinka also reminded Diri of his past interactions with Wike during his re-election campaign, stating that the Bayelsa governor once sought Wike’s support.
“When he was seeking re-election, this same Diri was brought to Wike. He was brought by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri. David Lyon came with him then.
“As he was kneeling, begging Wike to support him, he (Wike) was telling him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that.’”
Olayinka lamented that Diri, who once sought Wike’s help, now disparages him to cover up his inadequacies. “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 a conscience and it’s unfortunate,” he added.
