ABUJA, Nigeria — Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed reports claiming that Wike collapsed during an event in Abuja on Friday.
Social media posts alleged that the Minister was rushed to an undisclosed hospital after the incident. However, Olayinka refuted these claims, stating, “Na fake report.” His response came amid rising political tensions in Rivers State, related to the ongoing conflict between Wike and the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, who is known for his influential role in the politics of Rivers State, has faced intense scrutiny lately. The political atmosphere intensified last Friday when George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service in Rivers, made serious allegations against Fubara, exacerbating the existing strife.
In another development, Adekimi Ojo has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, succeeding as the 44th commissioner. Ojo, a seasoned law enforcement officer with more than three decades of experience in the Nigeria Police Force, assumed office amidst the ongoing security challenges in the state.
SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, expressed confidence in Ojo’s ability to manage security issues effectively. “CP Adekimi brings his wealth of experience in crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and strategic security management,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
Ojo previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations within the Kwara State Command. He assured residents of Kwara of his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing the need for community cooperation in crime prevention measures.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, I wish everyone a joyous and peaceful celebration,” Ojo said. “Let’s use this time to promote peace, unity, and understanding while adhering to security advisories.”
Olayinka later addressed another issue involving criticisms from Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), concerning the land title revocation of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He claimed that the PDP, led by its leadership, lost the land after failing to pay ground rent for 28 years.
“The revocation isn’t solely about the PDP, but part of a broader exercise affecting nearly 5,000 properties, including government institutions,” Olayinka explained. He urged the PDP leadership to take accountability for its financial obligations rather than blaming Wike.
Highlighting the PDP’s history, Olayinka pointed to the party’s inability to finalize the purchase of Wadata Plaza, which it attempted to acquire in 2005 for N26.9 million. “El-Rufai, who was a PDP member at that time, refused to grant a waiver for payment,” he noted. Olayinka pressed George to be more factual in his public statements, emphasizing Wike’s role in enforcing the law justly.
“Wike is not waging a war against the PDP; he is just enforcing compliance,” Olayinka asserted, comparing Wike’s effectiveness in Rivers State elections to other states, including Lagos.
