Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Rivers State Governor Ada George and some elders in the state for remaining silent while Governor Siminalayi Fubara allegedly behaved like an autocrat, only to now raise concerns following recent developments.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Olayinka accused George and others of selectively feigning outrage, likening their recent reactions to “children mourning the loss of their favorite toys.” He claimed that these same individuals supported Fubara when he allegedly blocked the salaries and entitlements of state lawmakers.
Olayinka was reacting to a media briefing in which Ada George blamed Wike for the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, including the alleged imposition of a state of emergency and the appointment of sole administrators in all 23 local government areas.
Responding, Olayinka said Ada George and his group, the so-called “Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum,” had no moral standing to speak on the matter, accusing them of bias and hypocrisy.
“True elders remain neutral in times of conflict, earning them credibility to mediate. But those like Ada George openly celebrated Fubara when he supervised the demolition of the State House of Assembly and operated a legislature with just three members out of 32,” he said.
He also reminded the public that George had earlier dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis, calling it “executive rascality” and accusing the president of violating the principle of separation of powers.
“When the Supreme Court gave its ruling, these same elders failed to advise Fubara to respect the law. Instead, they watched as he issued open threats and gave instructions that led to chaos, including the sabotage of oil pipelines,” Olayinka alleged.
He said it was ironic that those who cheered Fubara’s defiance were now lamenting the fallout of the crisis, including the imposition of emergency measures in the state.
Olayinka also rebuked the elders for “turning into spirits,” monitoring Wike’s visits to Rivers State as if it were illegal for a minister to return to his home and engage with the people.
“It is both laughable and sad that those who failed to act like elders when it mattered most are now crying foul. Their selective outrage only reveals their bias and political agenda,” he concluded.
