HURIWA Demands Sack of Wike’s Spokesman Over Inflammatory Remarks

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the removal of Lere Olayinka, spokesman to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as inflammatory and uncivil remarks made during a recent television appearance.

The group said Olayinka’s conduct during the live programme fell short of the standards expected of a government spokesperson and accused him of resorting to insults instead of constructive engagement on national issues.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the comments allegedly directed at former Minister of Special Duties and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tanimu Turaki, were inappropriate and unbecoming of a public official.

According to the association, the exchange, which centred on the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), degenerated into personal attacks and abusive rhetoric.

HURIWA described the language allegedly used by the FCT Minister’s spokesman as “gutter language” and “motor park-style communication,” insisting that individuals occupying sensitive public communication roles must demonstrate restraint and professionalism.

“The spokesman of the FCT Minister appears unfit for public office. His public interventions consistently lack decorum, civility and maturity expected from someone representing a high-ranking government official,” the group stated.

It argued that repeated outbursts by political aides contribute to the erosion of responsible public discourse and could further inflame political tensions in the country.

The rights group further criticised what it described as a pattern of combative communication by Olayinka, saying spokespersons attached to public offices should focus on clarifying issues rather than engaging in verbal attacks.

“The unprintable remarks directed at a former minister and Senior Advocate of Nigeria were totally unnecessary and disgraceful. Public communication must not descend into insults and personal abuse,” HURIWA added.

The association maintained that spokespersons are expected to communicate government positions responsibly because their statements often shape public perception and political conversations.

It warned that careless and emotionally charged comments from political aides could distort facts, damage reputations and deepen divisions within the polity.

HURIWA also faulted the tone of the television exchange, noting that the discussion was expected to focus on the Supreme Court judgment relating to the PDP national secretary position.

Rather than address the legal and political issues constructively, the group alleged that the conversation shifted toward personal attacks.

The association further clarified that contrary to impressions allegedly created during the programme, the legal matter involving Turaki did not contain allegations of immoral conduct against the senior lawyer.

HURIWA urged political office holders and their aides to embrace issue-based communication capable of strengthening democratic culture and promoting national unity.

The group stressed that those entrusted with speaking on behalf of government officials must be guided by professionalism, accuracy and respect for opposing views.

It added that continued resort to insults and inflammatory rhetoric in political communication could weaken public trust in institutions and undermine democratic values.

HURIWA maintained that individuals occupying strategic communication roles should be held accountable whenever their conduct falls below acceptable public standards.