Lere Olayinka, Spokesperson to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, drew criticism after abruptly ending an interview on Arise TV's The Morning Show on Friday. The incident occurred when Olayinka refused to engage questions from anchor Rufai Oseni, with whom he has had prior disagreements, calling for the discussion to be between "reasonable human beings." Co-anchor Ayo Mairo challenged Olayinka's remark, stating that Oseni is a legitimate member of the show's team and that the spokesperson should have anticipated his presence. The broadcast was cut short following the exchange.
Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said Olayinka missed a key opportunity to communicate the government's position and instead displayed emotional outbursts that weakened his credibility. He stressed that public officials appear before the media to shape public opinion, not to engage in personal confrontations. Akin Osuntokun, Arise News Political Director, noted that while Olayinka had the right to decline participation, his manner of disengagement was damaging to his standing and set a poor precedent. Both critics described the performance as unfortunate and avoidable.
A government spokesperson who refuses to answer questions from a journalist on live TV undermines the very purpose of public communication. If official messaging depends on selective engagement, the public loses access to full accountability. Olayinka's walkout signals a preference for controlled narratives over open dialogue.
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