Wike Blasts Walkout on First Lady’s Representative in Rivers, Calls It Disturbing and Embarrassing
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned the walkout staged by a group of women during an event in Rivers State where the wife of the state’s interim administrator, Theresa Ibas, was representing First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The incident occurred during a women empowerment programme at the EUI Centre in Port Harcourt, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Tensions flared when the women, believed to be loyalists of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, rejected Ibas’ presence and insisted that only Valerie Fubara, the suspended governor’s wife, could address them. The protest quickly escalated into chants and a mass exit from the venue, drawing national attention and criticism.
Reacting from China where he is on official duty, Wike described the event as “disturbing and embarrassing,” adding that it was a stain on the image of Rivers State. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike offered an apology to President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady on behalf of the people of the state.
“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,” Wike stated. He called on Governor Fubara to show sincerity and clarity in his approach to resolving the state’s political crisis, rather than sending mixed signals.
“It is not enough to visit people and plead for peace while at the same time sponsoring actions that insult the President and his wife,” Wike added, accusing Fubara’s camp of hypocrisy and insincerity.
He urged his followers and all well-meaning citizens of Rivers to reject such conduct and uphold the dignity of the state. “We condemn in totality that show of shame and apologize to our First Lady for the disgraceful behavior of a few individuals who do not reflect the character of Rivers people,” Wike said.
