Dismisses Gov Diri’s Security Alert as Shamefully Baseless

Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s security alert as “shamefully baseless.”

Olayinka, who serves as Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, accused Diri of using the alert as a cover-up for his failures in governance. He urged the governor to focus on his responsibilities instead of raising unnecessary alarms over a mega rally in support of Wike.

Reacting to Diri’s claim that a rally and the inauguration of a pro-Wike group were being planned in Bayelsa, Olayinka dismissed the concerns, insisting that Nigerians have the right to gather and support whomever they choose. He questioned why a governor with full security apparatus would go on national television over mere speculation about a rally.

He emphasized that if Wike were attending any political rally, he would personally notify security agencies, as he has nothing to hide. Olayinka also mocked Diri for allegedly convening a Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meeting over suspicions regarding the rally.

Criticizing Diri further, Olayinka recalled that the governor once sought Wike’s support for his re-election, despite now portraying him in a negative light. He claimed that Diri had been brought to Wike in secret by Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, alongside David Lyon, where he reportedly knelt to beg for Wike’s support.

Olayinka accused Diri of lacking integrity, stating that it was unfortunate how quickly the governor had turned against Wike to mask his political shortcomings.