Nyesom Wike Slams Walkout on First Lady in Rivers State: Calls It a Show of Shame

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticised a recent incident in Port Harcourt where a group of women loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara walked out on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during an empowerment programme.

Wike condemns walkout on First Lady, calling it a “show of shame” that embarrassed the good people of Rivers State. The event, which was held at the EUI Centre in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt, was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative and aimed to empower 500 women across the state.

Reports suggest that the women, led by some dismissed local government vice-chairpersons who support Governor Fubara, left the event in protest. According to them, they were excluded from the programme list and replaced by individuals loyal to Wike.

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Although currently on an official trip to China, Wike addressed the matter through a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Saturday.

In the statement, Wike described the women’s walkout as an insult to both the First Lady and the office of the President. He also apologised on behalf of Rivers people to President Bola Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“As far as I and my supporters are concerned, we completely reject the disgraceful act that happened yesterday. We sincerely apologise to our First Lady for the behaviour of a few women who do not reflect the values and character of Rivers people,” the statement read.

Wike went on to accuse his successor, Governor Fubara, of sponsoring the walkout. He said such “shenanigans” will not bring peace to Rivers State and urged the governor to be clear about his intentions.

“It’s not enough to go around asking for peace. If you truly want peace, your actions must match your words,” Wike stated.

He questioned how someone could be calling for peace while at the same time encouraging people to insult the President and the First Lady. He noted that such contradictions suggest insincerity and would only worsen the situation.

“How can anyone claim to seek peace but also back actions that embarrass our nation’s leaders? These double standards won’t bring about any resolution. Those involved are not being honest,” he added.

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