Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to yesterday’s criticisms made by Senator Ireti Kingibe, alleging that the lawmaker’s remarks were disingenuous and politically motivated.
Senator Kingibe had stated during a Channels TV ‘Political Paradigm’ programme that Minister Wike was disconnected from the real needs of FCT residents, suggesting that while infrastructure was necessary, his conduct was breeding resentment among the people.
In a statement issued yesterday, Olayinka countered the claims, accusing Senator Kingibe of lacking the moral authority to question the FCT Minister’s leadership.
“It is quite ironic that someone who has been accused of mistreating her aides and failing to pay their salaries for several months is now trying to project herself as a voice of accountability,” Olayinka said.
He alleged that several of the Senator’s aides resigned due to non-payment of salaries and other unresolved grievances.
“We are aware of the number of aides who have left Senator Kingibe’s team over unpaid wages and other questionable actions. While we choose not to delve into personal matters at this time, we urge her to focus on her responsibilities as an elected representative.”
Olayinka further challenged Kingibe to account for an alleged N3 billion constituency envelope she reportedly received last year, claiming that some of the associated projects were sold to contractors for 15–20 per cent of their value.
“Rather than launching baseless attacks on the FCT Minister, she should explain how she utilized her constituency funds and what tangible impact they have had on FCT communities,” he said.
He also dismissed suggestions that Minister Wike was distracted or misaligned with the interests of residents, stressing that the administration remains committed to transforming the infrastructure across the territory.
“Just last Friday, 16 projects were commissioned as part of the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The FCT Minister is focused on delivering even more by this time next year,” Olayinka added.
