FCT Minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defends Nyesom Wike, denying his role in the Rivers crisis and insisting he is not to blame for the political turmoil rocking the state.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Political tensions in Rivers State have reached a critical point following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the entire House of Assembly. The controversial move, approved by both chambers of the National Assembly, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal scholars.
The crisis, which has been ongoing for nearly two years, reportedly began with a rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara — his former political ally and successor.
Critics say the emergency declaration — announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — sets a troubling precedent for Nigerian democracy. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under which Governor Fubara was elected, called the action “unconstitutional and undemocratic.” In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP accused the presidency of attempting to override the will of the Rivers electorate.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also condemned the move, warning that such decisions by the executive and legislature undermine the country’s democratic values.
In defense of the declaration, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, described the president’s action as a strategic effort to de-escalate mounting political tensions and restore order in the state.
Constitutional law expert Professor Sesan Fabamise of Afe Babalola University echoed that sentiment, suggesting that while the decision may raise legal questions, it was likely a necessary intervention.
“A politically astute leader doesn’t wait for a crisis to spiral out of control,” Fabamise said. “This move may have prevented a more serious breakdown of governance in Rivers State.”
Exclusive: Lere Olayinka Says Wike Not to Blame
In an exclusive interview with The New Daily Prime, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and social media to the FCT Minister, pushed back against claims that Wike was behind the crisis.
“Wike is not to blame for the Rivers State crisis,” Olayinka said. “He is not the governor. He didn’t demolish the House of Assembly complex. He wasn’t the one using only three out of 32 lawmakers to pass budgets or appoint commissioners.”
Olayinka criticized what he described as Governor Fubara’s flawed understanding of legislative procedures.
“One-third of the entire House — not just those available — is required to form a quorum,” he said. “And for any decision-making, two-thirds must be present. Was it the Minister who manipulated these figures?”
Olayinka defended Wike following court rulings on the legitimacy of the Rivers Assembly.
“A lower court gave a judgment affirming the valid House of Assembly. Did Wike violate that? No. The President saw the danger, brought all parties together, and they signed an agreement — including the governor and national security advisers.”
He continued:
“In the United States, when courts issue rulings, they’re obeyed immediately. Why did the governor not comply? Was it Wike who stopped him?”
Responding to criticism of the emergency measures, Olayinka insisted the President acted within constitutional limits.
“Once the President declares a state of emergency and the National Assembly approves it, it becomes law. If anyone is dissatisfied, they should go to court. Public opinion doesn’t overrule the constitution.”
Critique of Fubara’s Governance
Olayinka accused Governor Fubara of creating the legislative stalemate:
“He withheld lawmakers’ salaries and allowances for over a year. He took them to the Supreme Court — and lost. When you lose a legal or political battle, you don’t come to the negotiating table demanding terms.”
Asked whether Wike would continue to influence Rivers State politics, Olayinka was clear:
“Of course. He’s from Rivers. He has a strong political family there. Governor Fubara was part of that family. He didn’t rise to the governorship on his own — he was backed and recommended by that same structure. Wike will continue to lead it.”
The unfolding crisis in Rivers State has become a litmus test for the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and federal structure. As political and legal battles intensify, voices across the country are calling for restraint, adherence to constitutional processes, and the restoration of democratic governance.
