Abuja, Nigeria — Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly alleged that activist and online publisher Omoyele Sowore is actively recruiting Nigerians for a paid protest against the Minister in the United States next week.
In a press statement that was made public on Friday, Olayinka claimed that Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the last election, has been mobilized with substantial funds for the demonstration, promising interested Nigerians a free trip, including flight tickets and accommodation, to the U.S.
Allegations of Mobilization Funds
While Olayinka did not disclose the source of the mobilization, he was highly specific about the figures allegedly involved. He claimed that Sowore has collected an average of $5,000 per person for those traveling from outside the US, and $3,000 for those already residing there, based on a budget for “not less than 100 persons.”
The Minister’s aide then used satire to warn potential participants to demand their full payment from the activist. ““If you have a valid USA Visa and you are interested in a free trip to the US, contact Omoyele Sowore.
“Sowore is looking for people that will protest against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the US next week and he is promising flight ticket and accommodation for those who are interested.
“However, after getting your flight ticket and accommodation booking from him, ask for your balance.
*Reason is that Sowore has collected $5,000 per person for those coming outside the US and $3,000 for those in the US.
“Sowore’s bill for the protest is average of $5,000 for not less than 100 persons and he has received mobilisation.
“I am not saying you should not go and protest o, but collect your full money, make dem no use your head,” Olayinka noted.” Olayinka satirically advised.
He concluded his statement with a clear warning: “I am not saying you should not go and protest o, but collect your full money, make dem no use your head,” suggesting that protesters risk being shortchanged on the alleged mobilization fees. The allegations suggest a new dimension in the ongoing political friction between the FCT Minister’s camp and his critics.
