Wike’s aide fires back at Atiku’s media adviser over TV chat costs

The spokesperson for Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has rebuked Atiku Abubakar's media adviser, Paul Ibe, over comments Ibe made about the costs of media chats held by Wike. Ibe questioned the expenses associated with a session where Wike engaged with several media outlets, estimating the cost could range from ₦160m to ₦320m per session based on rates of ₦10m to ₦20m per station per hour. However, these figures were estimates provided by Ibe and had not been independently verified.

Olayinka challenged Ibe to address questions raised by Wike regarding funds allegedly collected from the sale of Rivers State's gas turbine and a reported payment for a hospital project in the Caribbean. He pointed out that Wike had asked about the whereabouts of $308 million from the gas turbine sale and the $39 million payment for the Caribbean White Hospital, as well as a reported $10 million payment for communication in relation to Rivers State.

When Ibe provided an estimate for the cost of media engagements, Olayinka questioned the basis for his calculations and the evidence supporting those claims. He also disputed the assertion that a media chat could cost ₦200m per edition, questioning who had provided that figure. Olayinka maintained that Ibe should focus on the questions raised by Wike about alleged misappropriation of funds before shifting attention to the cost of the minister's media activities.

Olayinka argued that the public should first see the minister's stewardship before discussing the cost of media broadcasts. He criticized Ibe for trying to divert the conversation away from the administration's financial transparency issues.