The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following an incident in Port Harcourt where a group of women walked out during an empowerment programme attended by the First Lady.
The walkout, which took place at the EUI Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, was reportedly led by women loyal to suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, including some recently sacked local government vice-chairpersons.
The women allegedly staged the protest after being replaced on the programme list by individuals aligned with Wike.
Describing the walkout as “a show of shame,” Wike, in a statement issued from China through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, condemned the women’s actions and dissociated the larger Rivers populace from the incident.
“I sincerely apologise to President Bola Tinubu and our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the disgraceful behaviour displayed by a few individuals who clearly do not represent the character or values of Rivers people,” Wike stated.
He further accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating the walkout, suggesting it was part of a larger political game that undermines peace in the state.
“It is not enough to go about seeking peace. True leaders must act in ways that reflect genuine intentions. You cannot claim to want peace while sponsoring actions that insult the very symbols of national unity,” he said.
Wike urged Fubara to be straightforward in his dealings with the President, stressing that insincere actions only heighten tension in the state.
“Governor Fubara should be bold enough to tell the President exactly what he wants. Playing both sides will not help. These shenanigans won’t bring peace, and they know it,” he added.
The event was part of the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and aimed to empower 500 women across Rivers State.
