Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep disappointment over the walkout staged by a group of women in Rivers State during a visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The incident occurred on Thursday during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt. The event, organized by the First Lady’s office, aimed to empower 500 women across the state.
Reports indicate that the women who walked out are supporters of the embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who is currently suspended from office.
Speaking from China, where he is on an official assignment, Wike released a strongly worded statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka. In the message, Wike condemned the protest, labeling it “embarrassing” and “disturbing.”
He offered a formal apology to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of Rivers State, emphasizing that disrespect towards the First Lady reflects a direct affront to the office of the President.
“Anyone attacking or dishonoring the First Lady’s representative is effectively insulting the President and the highest office in the land,” Wike stated.
Wike also directed sharp criticism at Governor Fubara and his allies, accusing them of being disingenuous in their calls for peace while allegedly supporting actions that sow discord.
“You can’t be calling for peace on one hand, and on the other, funding actions that insult the President and his wife. That’s not how peace is built,” Wike said.
He urged Fubara to be transparent and honest about his issues with the President, rather than sending mixed signals through contradictory actions and statements.
Dissociating himself and his camp from the incident, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the presidency and disavowed any connection to the protest.
“Those of us aligned with my leadership completely denounce yesterday’s disgraceful behavior. We sincerely apologize to the First Lady for the conduct of a few individuals who do not reflect the true spirit and values of Rivers people,” he added.
