AS LERE OLAYINKA LIES
OPINION/ED
By John Martin
GOV. SIMINALAYI FUBARA IS IN CHARGE–AS LERE OLAYINKA LIES
In a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Lere Olayinka, the self-styled Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stormed News Central TV with a cocktail of lies, half-truths and shameless distortions. This desperate smear campaign demands a bold response to expose the true mastermind behind the political turbulence rocking Rivers State.
Lere harped on the current situation of the Rivers State House of Assembly, highlighting the presence of only three (3) active members. Yet, he conveniently glossed over the real story of Martin Amaewhule and his co-defectors who cowardly abandoned their constituencies and their mandates by defecting to the APC without due consultation. These former legislators, by law, automatically vacated their seats, but Lere lacks the courage to admit this truth.
When asked about Wike’s involvement in Rivers State’s political turmoil, Lere could not deny the undeniable. Wike is not only a major player in this crisis but also its architect. His meddlesome tendencies and attempts to control the state from Abuja have been met with stiff resistance from Rivers people who are fed up with his overreach.
Lere’s claim that Wike elevated Governor Fubara from “a mere cashier” to governor reeks of pettiness. It’s an insult to Fubara’s track record of service and to the Rivers people who overwhelmingly voted for him. The truth is, Governor Fubara was instrumental to any success Wike claims during his time as governor, especially in financial prudence and project execution, Lere can challenge me to a debate if in doubt.
Mr. Lere falsely accused Governor Fubara of disobeying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The irony, however, is glaring. The real defiance came from those who President Tinubu called his “newborn babies,” only to disown him days later. Aside the impeachment attempt, Wike’s ill-advised push for these individuals to defect to the APC is at the root of the political mess they currently face.
Lere’s admission that Fubara is the governor and wields the “red biro” underscores one truth: GOV. SIM FUBARA IS IN CHARGE. While his employer may attempt to pull the strings of discord, Rivers people have declared unequivocally that the era of external interference is over. Sir Fubara is taking bold steps to restore dignity and prioritize the state’s interests.
Also, Lere’s attempt to draw parallels between Rivers State and Kogi State only highlights his lack of understanding of Rivers politics. Rivers people are not Kogi people. They will not accept a situation where commissioners or key appointments are dictated from only one man, as Wike attempted to do. Rivers people have spoken, and their stance is non-negotiable.
Lere’s laughable claim that Governor Fubara is dining with those who opposed his emergence shows a lack of political depth. Almost everyone standing with Wike today—including Magnus Abe and Chidi Lloyd—at one time opposed his own governorship bid. Politics evolves and alliances shift. Governor Fubara is focused on governance, not on petty vendettas.
Assuming, without conceding, that Governor Fubara did not address Rivers people during the campaign, the blame lies squarely on Wike, who perhaps never allowed him to speak. He almost succeeded in extending this overbearing tendencies into the governance of the state, but Rivers people are saying “No” to this meddlesome interference.
The glaring contradictions in Lere’s rhetoric can tell you why Fayose failed woefully in Ekiti State despite all his noise. Just like his principal, Lere has mastered the art of bluster without substance.
When pressed on what Wike wants from Governor Fubara that he isn’t getting, Lere could not provide an answer. The truth is simple: Wike desires absolute control, but Gov. Fubara and Rivers people have drawn the line.
Lere Olayinka’s interview on News Central TV was nothing but a desperate attempt to deflect attention from Wike’s political blunders and meddlesome tendencies. The records are clear: Governor Sim Fubara is focused on the interests of Rivers people, while Wike and his cronies remain trapped in a web of personal ambition.
The good news is that Rivers people know the truth. Governor Fubara is acting decisively and Rivers State is moving forward under his leadership. No amount of propaganda or falsehoods can change this fact.
John Martins®️
