The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has alleged that human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is offering financial incentives and travel benefits to mobilise Nigerians for a protest against the minister in the United States.
Olayinka, in a statement issued on Friday, claimed that Sowore had already begun reaching out to potential participants, promising them cash payments as well as logistics support to attend the demonstration.
He alleged that those recruited from outside the United States were being offered $5,000 each, while Nigerians residing in the US were promised $3,000.
According to Olayinka, Sowore was also arranging flight tickets and accommodation for some of the protesters, effectively packaging the demonstration as an all-expense-paid trip.
He described the move as a desperate attempt to discredit Wike internationally and distract from his performance as FCT Minister.
“If you have a valid USA Visa and you are interested in a free trip to the US, contact Omoyele Sowore,” Olayinka wrote in a sarcastic tone, suggesting that the activist was commercialising dissent rather than promoting genuine civic engagement.
He further mocked the alleged arrangement, warning supposed beneficiaries not to be short-changed. “Ensure that you collect your full payment. Don’t allow them to use your head. Sowore has promised $5,000 to those coming from outside the US and $3,000 to those already there. Flight tickets and accommodation have also been booked,” he said.
Olayinka maintained that he was not opposed to peaceful protest as a democratic right but questioned the morality of paying individuals to demonstrate against political leaders abroad.
He warned Nigerians to be wary of being exploited under the guise of activism, insisting that such tactics undermine the credibility of legitimate opposition movements.
The minister’s aide also framed the allegation within a larger political rivalry, noting Sowore’s history of fierce criticism against Wike, especially since his appointment as FCT Minister.
He accused the activist of engaging in “political theatre” rather than constructive opposition.
As at press time, Sowore had not issued any official response to the allegations.
However, his camp has often dismissed similar accusations in the past as attempts to silence activism and divert public attention from governance failures.
Observers note that the allegation, if true, could raise ethical and legal questions about foreign-organised protests, funding sources, and the line between activism and political mobilisation.
They also point out that the development reflects growing tensions between government officials and civic critics as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections.
See also:
BREAKING: PENGASSAN Announces Nationwide Strike After Mass Sackings At Dangote Refinery
Naira Slips To Ninth Weakest Currency In Africa – Forbes
Gov. Sule Urges National Assembly To Create Special Courts For Corruption Trials
PENGASSAN Orders Cut-Off Of Fuel, Gas Supply To Dangote Refinery Amid Industrial Dispute
New Rift Erupts In PDP As Anyanwu, Damagum Trade Conflicting Letters To INEC
