Aide To Wike Clashes With Afenifere’s Okurounmu Over Accusations Of Tinubu’s Passivity In Rivers

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has criticized Afenifere leader Dr. Femi Okurounmu for his remarks accusing President Bola Tinubu of inaction in addressing the political turmoil in Rivers State. Olayinka warned Okurounmu to avoid statements…CONTINUE READING…

that could damage his reputation as a respected elder.

Dr. Okurounmu had recently expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s perceived silence over the crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara allegedly continues to defy court rulings. Responding, Olayinka questioned Okurounmu’s expectations of President Tinubu, arguing that the elder statesman’s comments seemed biased.

Olayinka expressed surprise that Okurounmu, a former senator, appeared to overlook Fubara’s alleged disregard for the judiciary, an issue he claimed threatens democracy and public order. He remarked, “One is not too amazed, given that Okurounmu holds the record as the first senator to be suspended by his colleagues since 1999.”

Okurounmu had also accused Wike of instigating the Rivers crisis and attempting to control Fubara. In response, Olayinka asked when Wike had allegedly tried to make Fubara his surrogate rather than function independently as governor. He added, “As an elder, Okurounmu should reflect on his role in Fubara’s rise to governor.”

Olayinka further criticized Okurounmu’s approach, emphasizing that Yoruba elders traditionally listen impartially before assigning blame. He questioned if Wike was responsible for alleged acts in Rivers, including obstructing legislative processes, unlawfully passing the state budget with only three Assembly members, and Fubara’s apparent disregard for court rulings.

Challenging Okurounmu’s accusation of Tinubu’s alleged passivity, Olayinka asked, “What does Baba Femi Okurounmu expect the President to do? Override judicial rulings and endorse Fubara’s disregard for the law?”