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You’re Shameless, Your Aides Left Because You Didn’t Pay Them” — Lere Fires Back at Senator Ireti Kingibe

Published by Olatunji Yusuf on July 9th, 2025.

You’re Shameless, Your Aides Left Because You Didn’t Pay Them” — Lere Fires Back at Senator Ireti Kingibe

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has come under fire from Lere Olayinka, a media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, over allegations she made about the Minister’s conduct and leadership.

Olayinka didn’t hold back. In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, he said Senator Kingibe should stop being shameless and focus on sorting out the mess within her own office. He claimed that several of her legislative aides had quit due to months of unpaid salaries and mistreatment.

“How many of her aides have left because she refused to pay them? Some of them went for six months without getting a dime,” Olayinka said. “Yet she’s busy pointing fingers and pretending to care about people.”

Senator Kingibe had, during a television appearance, criticized Wike for being disconnected from the people and for creating tension in the FCT through his behavior. But Olayinka dismissed her comments as hypocritical and said she had no moral ground to speak about anyone’s conduct.

He also made personal digs, saying: “We even know one of her former aides left after an alleged immoral relationship involving her boyfriend. And we know what happened between her and her third husband, Gana Kingibe. But we’re holding back — for now.”

Taking it further, Olayinka questioned how the senator handled a reported N3 billion constituency fund she received last year.

“She should explain what happened to that money and how many of the projects tied to it she sold off for 15 to 20 percent kickbacks,” he added.

Olayinka was clear that Wike wouldn’t waste time responding to Kingibe’s attacks. “He won’t be used as a stepping stone for her struggling political ambition,” he said. “Unlike her, the Minister is actually delivering. Just last Friday, 16 projects were commissioned as part of President Tinubu’s second year in office. There’s more coming.”

He wrapped up by saying Wike remains focused on bringing real development to Abuja and its surrounding communities — while others keep talking.

— Lere Olayinka
SSA, Public Communications & Social Media, FCT Minister’s Office