Learn how FCT Minister’s aide Lere Olayinka responded to Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s criticism of Nyesom Wike’s ministerial appointment, citing historical precedents and exposing political hypocrisy.
ABUJA – Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has strongly responded to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s remarks regarding Wike’s ministerial appointment. Olayinka accused the Bauchi Governor of using Wike’s role as an excuse to deflect attention from his failure to effectively lead the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Olayinka emphasized that appointing opposition members into ministerial positions is a common occurrence in Nigeria’s political history and is far from unprecedented. He cited several historical examples to substantiate his claims.
Historical Precedents of Opposition Appointments
Olayinka pointed out that Barrister Wike’s current appointment as an FCT Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is consistent with Nigeria’s political tradition. “From Chief Bola Ige to Bala Mohammed himself, the precedent is clear: opposition figures have often served in ruling party governments,” he said.
He further elaborated with examples:
- Late Chief Bola Ige, a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), served as a minister under the PDP-led government of Olusegun Obasanjo.
- Dr. Olu Agunloye, also from AD, served as a minister in Obasanjo’s administration.
- Mrs. Modupe Adesanya, a member of AD and daughter of the late Afenifere leader, was a Special Adviser in the same PDP government.
- Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) served as a minister under Umar Yar’Adua’s PDP government.
- Bala Mohammed, now a critic, resigned as a senator under the ANPP to serve as a minister in Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP government.
Olayinka also highlighted that Wike, a staunch PDP member, now serves under the APC-led government, and Bianca Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) currently holds a ministerial position in the APC administration.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Olayinka did not hold back in accusing Governor Bala Mohammed of double standards. He pointed out that Mohammed himself defected from the ANPP to accept a ministerial position under the PDP government in the past. “His actions are a clear example of opportunistic politics, and his attempt to claim the moral high ground is hypocritical,” Olayinka stated.
Focus on Service, Not Distractions
In his closing remarks, Olayinka dismissed Mohammed’s criticisms as distractions fueled by personal ambition. “Governor Mohammed seems more focused on launching a futile bid for the 2027 presidency than on delivering meaningful leadership to his state. Wike’s commitment is to serve diligently, and baseless attacks will not deter him from his duties,” he concluded.
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