Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded with sharp criticism to remarks made by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent Professor of Human Rights Law. The exchange, which unfolded on social media, centered around a comment by Odinkalu mocking Wike, which led to Olayinka defending his principal in a public post.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Lere Olayinka defended Wike, stating that individuals who openly drink whiskey are far better than those who engage in clandestine and illegal activities. His comment was a direct response to Professor Odinkalu’s tweet, in which he seemingly mocked Wike by commenting on a Thanksgiving post featuring Wike with a close associate, suggesting a deep bond between them. Odinkalu’s tweet read: "If anyone looks at you during this #Thanksgiving with the kind of adoration that dude here reserves for his best friend in his hands, I beg you, pls #DoTheNeedful & accept the proposal!"
Olayinka, who serves as the media assistant to the FCT Minister, took offense at Odinkalu’s insinuations and sharply criticized him in return. He wrote, "Those who drink their Whiskey openly are far better than people like @ChidiOdinkalu who sniff substances in their toilets," implying that Odinkalu’s behavior was more questionable than the public display of drinking by Wike.
The exchange between the two public figures has stirred significant attention online, with many observing the increasingly hostile and personal tone in the political discourse. Olayinka's statement, laden with strong words, is seen as part of a broader trend of social media debates and attacks between prominent political figures in Nigeria. While Olayinka stands by his principal, Odinkalu's commentary also reflects his ongoing critiques of Wike’s political career, making the exchange a noteworthy episode in Nigerian political dialogue.