Wike Responds to Walkout on Tinubu’s Wife in Rivers, Sends Strong Message to Governor Fubara
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reacted to the controversial walkout staged by some women during an empowerment event attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Rivers State on Thursday. Wike condemned the incident as “disturbing and embarrassing” and directed a stern message to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters.
The incident occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment program at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt, organized by the office of the First Lady. The program aimed to support 500 women in the state with various empowerment items. The women involved in the walkout were reportedly aligned with the suspended governor, Fubara.
Currently on official business in China, Wike issued a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka. In the statement, he apologized to the First Lady and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of the people of Rivers State for the disruptive behavior.
“To insult anyone representing the First Lady at such an event is an insult to the office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Wike stated. “As a leader of Rivers State, I offer my sincere apology.”
Wike sharply criticized Governor Fubara and his supporters for disrespecting the First Family despite claims of seeking peace. He urged Fubara to be more transparent and direct in communicating his demands to President Tinubu, rather than sending mixed signals.
“It’s not enough to make peace overtures while simultaneously undermining it,” Wike remarked. “Those genuinely seeking peace must act in alignment with their words. How can you claim to desire peace while sponsoring actions that insult the President and his wife?”
Wike made it clear that neither he nor his supporters were involved in the walkout.
“I, and those who follow my leadership, unequivocally condemn the shameful actions that took place yesterday,” Wike concluded. “We apologize to the First Lady for the disgraceful behavior of the few women involved, who do not represent the values of the people of Rivers State.”
