Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has criticized Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for raising alarm over a planned rally in his support.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike dismissed Diri’s concerns as baseless.
He argued that if he were to attend any event in Bayelsa, he would duly notify security agencies, making the governor’s alarm unnecessary.
“It is unfortunate that a sitting governor, with all the security resources at his disposal, would go on national television over mere speculation about a rally, which citizens have the right to hold,” Olayinka said.
He emphasized that Nigerians are free to support any political figure without restrictions. “Is the governor so afraid of Wike? Can he actually stop people from organizing a rally in Bayelsa if they choose to?” Olayinka questioned.
Olayinka also ridiculed Diri for summoning a Security Council meeting and consulting the Bayelsa Elders Council over what he described as mere assumptions.
“Is this what governance in Bayelsa has been reduced to? Must Wike be used as a scapegoat for his failures in leadership and politics?” he asked.
Furthermore, he accused Diri of hypocrisy, recalling that the governor once sought Wike’s backing for re-election.
“When he needed support, he was brought to Wike like a thief in the night by Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri, alongside David Lyon. He even knelt down begging Wike, who advised him against it, reminding him of his status as a governor.
“But now, Wike has suddenly become the target of his public attacks, just to mask his own shortcomings. It’s unfortunate how some people lack conscience,” Olayinka added.
Earlier, Governor Diri had expressed concerns over the planned rally and the inauguration of a pro-Wike group, warning that such activities could heighten tensions and spark a crisis in Bayelsa.
He argued that holding such an event amid the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State could fuel ethnic conflicts and spread instability.
Diri also referenced Wike’s past remarks about inciting trouble in states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I call on security agencies to remain vigilant.
“Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their children from being manipulated by those seeking to destabilize our state,” Diri stated.