Wike’s Aide Mocks Fubara With “Raise Your Hands, Say Twale”

A senior aide to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has publicly taunted Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over his ongoing struggle to win support within the Rivers State House of Assembly, suggesting the governor has failed to assert control over the legislature.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, expressed the criticism on Monday, January 19, 2026, in a Facebook post that has since drawn attention across political circles. He argued that Fubara’s inability to sway lawmakers to his side after nearly three years in office reflects a weakness in leadership.

Olayinka highlighted what he sees as the governor’s lack of influence over key legislators, writing that if someone else effectively controls members of the State House of Assembly while the governor struggles to secure even one supporter, it “means that person is a better leader and politician than you.”

The aide then used a colloquial expression to mock Fubara’s predicament, urging that he should “go to the person, raise your two hands, raise your right leg and say TWALE Sir, Ko ju bee lo,” a phrase interpreted as a humorous yet biting suggestion of submission to whoever he believes holds the real political sway.

The comment comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, where ongoing impeachment proceedings and factional divisions within the state legislature have spotlighted the fierce rivalry between Fubara and Wike’s political camp. The crisis has drawn national attention and deepened local debates around governance, party loyalty and legislative control.

Supporters of Fubara have pushed back against the characterisation, arguing that the governor remains committed to his mandate and continues to work toward resolving political conflicts in the state. They contend that public taunts do not reflect the substantive efforts being made behind the scenes to engage lawmakers and citizens alike.

Political observers say Olayinka’s remarks exemplify how intensely personal and public the Rivers political struggle has become, with aides and allies using social media platforms to drive narratives and rally support amid the ongoing power tussle.

The Rivers crisis continues to unfold as both sides maintain their positions, with implications for governance, legislative effectiveness and the broader political landscape ahead of future elections.