Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned the walkout on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, by a group of women loyal to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, during a recent empowerment event. Wike described the incident as a “disturbing embarrassment” and issued a formal apology to both the First Lady and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of the people of Rivers State.
The walkout took place on Friday at the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt, organized by the First Lady’s office. The programme aimed to empower 500 women in the state with various items, but the event was marred by the disruptive actions of some women, including former local government vice chairmen, who walked out in protest.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike emphasized that insulting any representative of the First Lady is a direct insult to the office of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. As a leader in Rivers State, he expressed deep regret for the incident and apologized on behalf of the state.
“Such an act is not only an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State, but it also undermines the dignity of the office of the President,” Wike said. “We sincerely apologize for the conduct of these few women, who do not reflect the values and character of Rivers State.”
Wike, who is currently on official duties in China, also took the opportunity to criticize the suspended Governor Fubara. He urged the governor to be honest about his intentions and actions, rather than offering contradictory pleas for peace while encouraging divisive behavior. Wike warned that such actions would never lead to peace and that those behind the incident are insincere in their calls for reconciliation.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the disgraceful behavior displayed at yesterday’s event, and we reiterate our commitment to peace and progress,” Wike added.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many urging leaders in Rivers State to foster unity and decorum in public conduct.
Comments