Wike Denies Role in Rivers State Crisis Amidst Rising Tensions

Senior aide disputes claims linking Wike to Rivers turmoil, urges clarity and responsibility from all leaders

In a recent turn of events, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Lere Olayinka, has stepped forward to clarify that Wike denies responsibility in the Rivers crisis. Addressing remarks made by Dr. Femi Okurounmu, an elder statesman and chieftain of the Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, Olayinka asserted that it is misguided to attribute the ongoing situation in Rivers State to Wike. He suggested that Okurounmu’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s perceived lack of intervention in the crisis misinterprets the complexity of the issues.

According to Olayinka, it is inappropriate for Dr. Okurounmu, a respected former Senator, to comment on the matter without fully understanding the broader political dynamics at play. He emphasized that Wike denies responsibility in the Rivers crisis, noting that the governor, Sim Fubara, holds the primary role in the state’s governance and should thus be accountable for the current issues facing the state. Olayinka further criticized Dr. Okurounmu for what he described as “playing the ostrich” in ignoring actions that have contributed to the strained judiciary and governance in Rivers.

Olayinka also reminded critics that while Wike denies responsibility in the Rivers crisis, Dr. Okurounmu’s remarks ignored key details, such as the allegations that Fubara disregarded judicial rulings, sparking questions about lawfulness within the Rivers government. For example, when the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified the state’s 2024 budget in October, Governor Fubara reportedly did not act in compliance with this judgment, which escalated public concerns over his approach to governance.

Additionally, Olayinka challenged Dr. Okurounmu’s statements insinuating that Wike should be able to influence the state’s political agenda through Governor Fubara, suggesting that such assumptions undermine the autonomy of Rivers’ leadership. He questioned, “When did Wike express that Governor Fubara is his surrogate or that he seeks control over the governor’s role?” Noting that Wike denies responsibility in the Rivers crisis, Olayinka argued that it is Fubara’s approach to governance that has fueled political friction and instability, not external influence from the FCT Minister.

Moreover, Wike denies responsibility in the Rivers crisis, as made clear by Olayinka, who outlined that recent legislative and budgetary actions have been carried out by a divided Rivers House of Assembly. Reports of a small faction of assembly members handling state budget decisions and official appointments have raised legal and ethical concerns, but Olayinka insisted that these developments do not involve Wike and should not be linked to him.

The remarks from Olayinka seem aimed at shifting public focus toward accountability within Rivers and away from speculative accusations involving Wike. Dr. Okurounmu, he asserted, should engage objectively with these matters, given his position as a senior figure and advisor. This response underscores that Wike denies responsibility in the Rivers crisis and clarifies that, according to Olayinka, the FCT Minister is not behind the turmoil currently affecting Rivers State.