Stop the pretence — Wike tears into Fubara after Rivers women walk out on Remi Tinubu

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly condemned the walkout staged by a group of women during an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt.

Wike described the incident as “a show of shame” and an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State. The women involved are believed to be loyalists of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike extended a formal apology to both Tinubu and the First Lady on behalf of Rivers residents.

“Insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria in an event is a direct insult on the office of the President and Commander-In-Chief,” Wike stated. “As a leader in Rivers State, I apologise.”

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The incident occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme, which was held at the EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, on Friday, May 2, 2025. The initiative was designed to support 500 women across the state with empowerment items.

According to Wike, some of the women who walked out were led by sacked local government vice chairmen aligned with the embattled governor. Wike, who is currently on an official trip to China, said the act was “very disturbing and embarrassing.”

He also issued a stern warning to Fubara’s supporters, urging them to stop dragging the state's name through the mud.

Wike didn't hold back in his criticism of Fubara either, calling on the suspended governor to stop playing double games and be clear with his intentions.

“It’s not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace while sponsoring people to insult the president and his wife,” Wike said.

“Those who genuinely want peace work and act for it. These up-and-down peace moves aren’t fooling anyone.”

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He concluded by distancing himself and his loyalists from the protest, saying it does not reflect the values of the Rivers people.

“We condemn in totality that disgraceful act. We apologise to the First Lady for the conduct of those few women, who do not represent the character of Rivers State.”