Wike’s Aide Mocks Ugochinyere Over Rivers State Political Crisis

ABUJA – Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised Imo Ugochinyere, a House of Representatives member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State, to seek another political benefactor, suggesting that his financial pipeline from Rivers State has been severed.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Ugochinyere accused Wike of directing his loyalists in the Rivers State House of Assembly to cause instability in the state. However, Olayinka dismissed these claims, asserting that the lawmaker was merely lamenting over lost financial incentives previously derived from Rivers State.

Wike’s Aide Labels Ugochinyere as a ‘Political Hushpuppi’

Olayinka, in a statement issued on Wednesday, ridiculed Ugochinyere’s grievances, likening them to a loss of illicit financial benefits. He accused the lawmaker of exploiting fraudulent local government structures through his political party, the Action Peoples Party (APP), in Rivers State, emphasizing that the era of such practices had ended.

Responding to Ugochinyere’s remarks on a live television program, Olayinka dismissed the idea of a strong opposition faction in the National Assembly. He challenged Ugochinyere to publicly name the House of Representatives members aligned with his Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), suggesting that the coalition lacks credibility.

Ugochinyere’s Failed Predictions and Political Reality

Olayinka recalled Ugochinyere’s past assertion that Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, would never access the state budget. He mocked the lawmaker’s confidence, highlighting that despite his claims, the Assembly members have regained their authority. According to Olayinka, as Governor Siminalayi Fubara faces political difficulties, Ugochinyere’s financial privileges have dwindled, which explains his frustration.

He further criticized Fubara for allegedly disregarding procedural governance, questioning why the governor visited the House of Assembly without an official invitation. Olayinka argued that a formal request should have been submitted to the Speaker before any budget presentation, rather than resorting to public spectacle.

“The governor is merely seeking social media attention,” Olayinka remarked. “With advisers like Ugochinyere, one might as well carry the state budget on their head to Rumuokoro Market and deliver it to the Speaker’s wife.”