LAGOS — Former political adviser and ARISE News Political Director, Akin Osuntokun, has faulted the conduct of Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following a heated televised interview on Arise TV.
Reflecting on the exchange between Olayinka and broadcaster Rufai Oseni, Osuntokun noted that the aide’s demeanor during the session did little to advance his arguments and cautioned that such behavior sets an undesirable standard for public officials engaging with the media.
"Lere Olayinka was under no compulsion to speak or answer," Osuntokun said, commenting on the interaction. "Whether he was invited or invited himself, he was still at liberty to say what he wanted to say. However, the manner in which he spoke was unfortunate and did little to strengthen his position."
The incident has sparked widespread debate across political and media circles regarding the decorum expected of government spokespersons when appearing on live broadcasts. Osuntokun warned that adoptng an overly combative tone during media appearances risks undermining the substance of the administration's message and establishes a harmful precedent for future engagements.
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