The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over an incident in Rivers State, where a group of women allegedly loyal to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara staged a walkout on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The walkout occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme, hosted by the Office of the First Lady at the EUI Event Centre, GRA, Port Harcourt. The programme aimed to support 500 women with various empowerment items.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the incident as “very disturbing and embarrassing,” asserting that it insulted not just the First Lady but also the Office of the President.
“It is an insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria. That amounts to a direct insult on the Office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” Wike stated. “As a leader in Rivers State, I apologize on behalf of our people.”
Wike alleged that the walkout was orchestrated by women aligned with Fubara’s camp, including former local government vice chairmen who were recently sacked.
He further criticised the suspended governor for failing to act with sincerity in his calls for peace, accusing Fubara of speaking peace while enabling divisive actions.
“How can you say you want peace and at the same time sponsor people to insult everyone — including the President and his wife?” Wike questioned. “All those shenanigans won’t bring peace.”
Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, condemning the “show of shame” and making it clear that the individuals involved do not reflect the true character of Rivers people.
“We condemn in totality that show of shame and apologize to our First Lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the ideals of Rivers State,” he said.
The development comes amid rising political tensions in the state following Governor Fubara’s suspension and widening cracks between factions loyal to Wike and Fubara.
