Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), dismissing his recent criticisms as “funny and ludicrous.”
The clash follows a media interview where Wike accused Falana of misrepresenting a Supreme Court ruling concerning the defection of 27 Rivers State lawmakers. Wike expressed concern over what he called Falana’s “lies” aired on national television, warning that such misinformation could fuel unrest.
Falana swiftly fired back, dismissing the allegations as “baseless” and asserting that his commentary was based on accurate legal interpretations. He also questioned Wike’s standing in the legal profession, saying:
“Mr. Wike is the only life bencher in Nigeria who has never handled a case in any trial court or appellate court.”
In response, Olayinka defended Wike’s credentials and lashed out at Falana’s record, stating:
“It is funny and ridiculous that in the mind of Falana, only those who have handled cases in court are lawyers.”
He highlighted Wike’s contributions to legal infrastructure, including:
- The establishment of the Nigerian Law School campus in Port Harcourt, deemed the country’s best
- Development of major facilities at the Yenagoa campus
- Ongoing construction of staff housing in Bwari, Abuja
- Provision of vehicles to support law school operations
Taking aim at Falana’s legacy, Olayinka asked:
“Apart from going on television to make noise, what has Falana contributed to the legal profession?”
He also compared Falana unfavorably to legal icons from Ekiti like Aare Afe Babalola and Wole Olanipekun, noting their visible impact on the state’s legal community.
The exchange adds fuel to the already tense political and legal climate surrounding the Rivers State Assembly crisis and highlights the deepening divide among Nigeria’s legal elite.
