Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly apologised to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following a walkout staged by women loyal to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, during an empowerment event in Port Harcourt.
Describing the incident as a “show of shame” and a disgrace to the people of Rivers State, Wike condemned the women’s actions, which he claimed were politically motivated and orchestrated by Governor Fubara.
The walkout occurred during a Renewed Hope Initiative programme at the EUI Centre in Port Harcourt, designed to empower 500 women across the state. Reports indicate the women, led by some dismissed local government vice-chairmen aligned with Fubara, left the venue after being allegedly replaced on the programme list by Wike’s loyalists.
Wike, who is currently on official duties in China, issued a statement on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
“In totality, we condemn the shameful conduct of those few women who do not reflect the values and ideals of Rivers people,” Wike stated. “We offer an unreserved apology to the First Lady and the President.”
The former Rivers governor further accused Fubara of sponsoring the incident and criticized the governor’s approach to the ongoing political crisis in the state. He urged Fubara to be honest about his intentions and stop sending mixed signals regarding peace efforts.
“You can’t claim to seek peace while enabling acts of open disrespect against the President and his wife,” Wike said. “These games won’t bring peace to Rivers, and those involved know it.”
Wike’s remarks add to the growing tension between him and his successor, as the power struggle in Rivers State continues to unfold on both political and public fronts.
