Wike’s Aide Blasts Fubara: “If I Control Your Assembly, You’ve Failed

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying it would reflect serious weakness if Minister Nyesom Wike is truly controlling the state’s political machinery, including the House of Assembly.

Olayinka made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, insisting that suggestions of Wike’s dominance over the Rivers legislature cast Fubara in a poor light.

According to him, no governor should allow an external political figure — even a predecessor — to dictate the direction of governance or political structures within the state.

Olayinka said political realities are often different from what is presented publicly, noting that what people say on television may not reflect what is actually happening behind closed doors.

He argued that if a minister based in Abuja can influence the majority of lawmakers in Rivers, then it shows the governor lacks political strength.

“If I’m a minister and you are a governor, and I can control your House of Assembly, then something is wrong with you,” he said, adding that such a situation would mean the governor is politically weak.

Olayinka further stated that a governor who cannot command control over the structures in his own state has failed in leadership, stressing that whoever controls the political system is clearly the stronger force.