The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has dismissed claims that Wike is engaging in anti-party activities.
Olayinka, in a statement on Saturday, responded to allegations made by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Segun Sowunmi, who accused Wike of being a tool for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the PDP.
Refuting the claims, Olayinka said: “Wike is not working for the APC; Wike is working for Nigeria. He is serving the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not partisan interests.”
He emphasized that Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister was a testament to his competence and ability to deliver results, rather than a betrayal of the PDP. Olayinka added that Wike had informed the PDP of his decision to accept the ministerial role, and no objections were raised at the time.
Olayinka also clarified that in a presidential system, appointments are not limited to members of the ruling party.
He cited examples of opposition figures, such as Daniel Bwala, who had been critical of President Bola Tinubu but were still appointed to significant roles in his administration.
“When it is time to play politics, we play politics. That chapter ended with the elections last year. Now is the time for governance,” Olayinka stated.
He highlighted that President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister was based on his capacity to deliver results for Nigerians, transcending party lines.
The aide called on critics to focus on the broader picture, stressing that Wike’s commitment to his role as FCT Minister is driven by a desire to serve the people, not by political affiliations.
“Wike’s critics fail to understand that governance is about serving the people, not political divides,” Olayinka concluded.
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