The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over the recent walkout by a group of women at an event in Port Harcourt. The women, who were reportedly loyal to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, staged the protest during an empowerment programme organized by the First Lady’s office.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike condemned the action, describing it as “disturbing and embarrassing.” He stressed that the protest not only insulted the First Lady but also tarnished the reputation of Rivers State. The event, held at the EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, was aimed at benefiting 500 women with various empowerment items. However, a faction of women, including sacked Local Government Vice Chairmen, walked out of the event in protest.
Wike, who is currently in China for official duties, expressed his disapproval of the walkout, saying, “An insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria is a direct insult on the office of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a leader in Rivers State, I apologize on behalf of the people.”
The walkout took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme, which is a part of the First Lady’s efforts to support women across the country. The programme was meant to empower women in Rivers State with various items such as sewing machines, foodstuff, and other livelihood tools.
The incident has attracted significant criticism, particularly because the protesters were reportedly supporters of the suspended Governor Fubara. Wike did not hold back in his condemnation, calling the actions of the group “very disturbing and embarrassing” for the state. He further cautioned supporters of the suspended governor to refrain from actions that could further damage the reputation of Rivers State.
“The women’s action was a show of shame, and I apologize to the First Lady for the conduct of these few women who do not represent the ideals and character of the people of Rivers State,” Wike said.
Wike’s statement did not stop at condemning the walkout; he also used the opportunity to address the ongoing political situation in the state. He called on the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to demonstrate sincerity in his quest for peace.
Wike remarked that it was not enough for Fubara and his supporters to make public pleas for peace while simultaneously engaging in actions that undermined that peace. He urged Fubara to be more transparent with his intentions, rather than sending mixed signals.
“How can you say you want peace, and at the same time, you are sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife?” Wike asked. He further emphasized that those seeking peace must demonstrate it through their actions, not through contradictory words and deeds.
The FCT Minister also expressed frustration with the political instability surrounding Fubara’s suspension and the protests that have followed. He criticized the contradictions in Fubara’s actions, stating that those who truly want peace should refrain from inciting conflict. He stressed that “all those shenanigans won’t bring peace,” and implied that the suspended governor and his supporters lacked the sincerity needed for genuine reconciliation.
The walkout by the group of women is seen by many as part of the ongoing political tension in Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended following allegations of corruption, and his supporters have been vocal in protesting the suspension. Some have even accused the federal government of interfering in state matters.
Wike’s comments further highlight the political divide in the state, with his condemnation of the protest revealing his allegiance to the federal government. He made it clear that the actions of Fubara’s supporters were not reflective of the general sentiment of Rivers State residents.
This incident is just one example of the growing political tension in Rivers State. The walkout on the First Lady comes amid heightened political stakes, with the federal government and state government officials at odds over several issues. The protests, now escalating to public displays of disrespect, seem to be a manifestation of deeper political rifts.
Wike’s apology was aimed at restoring calm and sending a message to all political actors in Rivers State that actions like the walkout are unacceptable. His statement highlighted the importance of upholding the dignity of Nigeria’s leadership and the office of the First Lady.
