Calling Out Falana: Lere Olayinka Takes Femi Falana to Task for False Claims on National TV
What Significant Achievements Have You Brought to the Legal Field Beyond TV Appearances? - Wike's Aide Challenges Femi Falana
In a fiery rebuttal, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana of lying to the Nigerian public on national television. This following Falana's submission on the Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers crisis.
Falana, during an appearance on Channels Television, argued that the Supreme Court judgment on Rivers State "had nothing to do with who is the authentic Speaker of House." However, Olayinka believes Falana was off the mark, characterizing his stance as ludicrous and claiming that Falana does not truly understand the intricacies of the legal profession.
"It's absurd for Falana to think that only those who have handled cases in the trial courts or appellate courts are lawyers or qualified for appointment as Life Benchers," Olayinka stated in a reactionary statement. He challenged Falana to list his major courtroom victories and contributions to the development of the legal profession, apart from being known as an "arrangee and errand lawyer."
According to Olayinka, the FCT Minister's membership in the Body of Benchers was earned through merit, as he has significantly contributed to the advancement of legal education.
Olayinka's criticism did not end there: he questioned Falana's impact on the legal profession, citing the establishment and development of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt as a notable achievement by Wike. Furthermore, he highlighted Wike's contributions to the development of the Yenagoa campus and his current efforts in building housing quarters and improving operations at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja.
In comparison, Olayinka questioned Falana's contribution to the legal profession, even in his home state of Ekiti. He pointed out that facilities like the Bar Center in Ado Ekiti and the one in Ikere Ekiti were built by other renowned legal professionals, while Falana has not made any significant contributions.
Olayinka also brought up Falana's failed political ventures, citing his failed governor bid in Ekiti State as an example of his lack of success in other areas.
In addition to questioning Falana's legal contributions, Olayinka accused him of deceiving his client and lying to the public regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers crisis. He claims that Falana misrepresented the court's decision on the defectors' issue and questioned Falana's understanding of the constitution regarding the quorum of a House of Assembly.
All in all, Olayinka's statement takes Falana to task, alleging not only false information but also a lack of substantial contributions to the legal profession. Falana, known for his human rights activism and numerous courtroom victories, may face mounting criticism after these accusations from a prominent member of Wike's administration.
Interested in learning more?
- Falana's notable courtroom victories and legal activism: Falana & The Advancement of Human Rights in Nigeria
- Aare Afe Babalola's contributions to legal education and infrastructure: Aare Afe Babalola: The Renaissance Man of Nigeria's Legal Profession
- Comparison of Falana and other notable legal practitioners: Comparing Falana and Olanipekun: A Look at Their Legal Careers
- Lere Olayinka, a senior advisor to Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused Femi Falana, a prominent lawyer, of misleading the public on national television.
- Falana, during a talk show appearance, stated that the Supreme Court judgment on Rivers State had no connection to the authentic speaker of the House.
- These claims were challenged by Olayinka, who believes Falana's understanding of the legal profession is questionable.
- Olayinka stated that only handling cases in trial or appellate courts does not define one as a lawyer or qualify them for Life Bencher appointment.
- He further accused Falana of being an "arrangee and errand lawyer," and called for him to list his major courtroom victories and contributions to the legal profession.
- Olayinka highlighted the FCT Minister's merit-based Body of Benchers membership and his significant contributions to legal education, including the development of the Nigerian Law School in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, and Bwari, Abuja.
- In comparison, Olayinka questioned Falana's contributions to the legal profession, even in his home state of Ekiti, citing the construction of Bar Centers in other locations by other legal professionals.
- When addressing Falana's political career, Olayinka pointed out his failed governor bid in Ekiti State, alleging a lack of success in other areas.
- Furthermore, Olayinka accused Falana of deceiving his client and the public regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers crisis, specifically the defectors' issue and the quorum of a House of Assembly.
