Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has launched a fresh attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Chief Bode George, urging him to step back from active political commentary and accusing him of damaging his own reputation through repeated public remarks.
Olayinka made the comments on Thursday in a statement issued while responding to George’s recent criticism of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He argued that someone of George’s age and political experience should conduct himself with greater restraint instead of frequently appearing in the media to criticise political opponents.
The FCT minister’s aide questioned George’s record in Lagos State politics, claiming that the PDP had failed to make electoral progress under his leadership. He also argued that, unlike Lagos, several other South-West states had at different times produced PDP governors, raising questions about the party’s performance in the state.
Olayinka further accused the PDP leader of failing to fulfil repeated promises he allegedly made over the years to leave Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu eventually became president. He recalled that George made similar declarations before and after several election cycles but has remained in the country despite Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
According to Olayinka, political leaders should be held accountable for their public statements and should avoid making declarations they do not intend to keep. He maintained that respect for elders should go hand in hand with responsible conduct in public life.
The statement also revisited the disagreement between Wike and George over allegations involving a property in Abuja. Olayinka insisted that Wike’s claim was not about the process through which the property was purchased but about the source of the funds allegedly used to acquire it. He said George should respond to that specific allegation instead of focusing on how the property was bought.
Olayinka added that Wike has not changed his position on the matter and believes George should answer the allegation regarding the origin of the money used for the purchase. The latest exchange adds to the growing war of words between allies of the FCT minister and the PDP elder statesman, as both camps continue to trade accusations over political and personal issues.