The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of instigating a walkout staged by some women during an empowerment event organised by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the incident as “embarrassing” and a “show of shame,” insisting it did not reflect the values of Rivers people.
The protest, which took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme on Friday, saw a group of women—led by sacked local government vice-chairpersons—exit the venue in protest.
The programme was aimed at empowering 500 women with items such as deep freezers, gas cookers, generators and industrial grinding machines to support their small-scale businesses.
Wike, who is currently on official duty in China, tendered an unreserved apology to the First Lady and President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the Rivers populace, describing the walkout as a slight on the presidency.
“An insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria is a direct insult on Tinubu. As a leader in Rivers, I apologise,” the minister said.
He further lambasted Governor Fubara’s style of leadership, accusing him of playing double standards in his approach to reconciliation.
According to Wike, while the governor publicly advocates for peace, he allegedly sponsors activities that undermine unity and respect.
“How can you say you want peace and at the same time, you are sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife? All those shenanigans won’t bring peace,” Wike said.
He urged Fubara and his supporters to desist from actions that ridicule the state, adding that genuine peace requires consistency in words and actions.
The latest development deepens the rift between Wike and Fubara, whose strained relationship has continued to polarise the political landscape in Rivers State.
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