Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), criticized the orchestrated walkout against First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, during an empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, labeling it a “show of shame” and a disgrace to Rivers State.
Wike characterized the action as a direct affront to the offices of the President and First Lady.
He extended an unconditional apology to President Bola Tinubu and his wife, acting on behalf of the people of Rivers State.
The Minister claimed that the women involved in the walkout were likely supporters of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The women, including dismissed local government vice-chairpersons, conducted the walkout, reportedly in response to being excluded and substituted by Wike’s allies in the programme.
The event, organized under the Renewed Hope Initiative at the EUI Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, aimed to empower 500 women across the state.
The women were heard shouting, “We want Fubara,” and “An Akwa Ibom woman cannot be our first lady.”
One of the women, who spoke after they left the premises, alleged that they were told they would be addressed by Fubara’s wife, only to find the wife of the Rivers State administrator.
The minister, who is currently in China on official duty, released a statement on Saturday through his aide, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media.
The statement partly reads: “As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality yesterday’s show of shame, and we apologise to our First Lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the character and ideals of the people of Rivers State.”
The former governor alleged that Fubara sponsored the walkout, stating that his actions would only hinder peace in the state.
He advised Fubara to “demonstrate honesty by being bold enough to tell President Tinubu what exactly he wants,” stating that the governor’s actions contradicted his peace appeals.
“It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace; those who genuinely want peace must work and act for it. These are the same people pleading for peace, yet doing things contrary to their words.
“How can you claim to want peace and at the same time sponsor people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife?
“All these shenanigans will not bring peace, and I am sure they know that — because they are not sincere in their back-and-forth calls for peace.”
Persecondnews’ efforts to get Fubara’s spokesman’s comments on the incident were unsuccessful as of press time.
Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil for nearly two years, fueled by a power struggle between Wike and his successor, Fubara, culminating in a political impasse.
In response to the brewing crisis, Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.
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