Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has issued an apology to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over what he described as a “sponsored walkout” by a group of women in Port Harcourt.
The protest was reportedly orchestrated by individuals aligned with the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Wike expressed regret on behalf of the people of Rivers State. He said, “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 of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and as a leader in Rivers State, I apologize.”
The protest took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, where some women, led by former local government vice chairpersons, walked out of the venue.
Speaking from China, where he is currently on official duties, Wike described the incident as “very disturbing and embarrassing,” warning the governor’s supporters against actions that tarnish the image of the state.
He advised the suspended governor to be forthright with President Tinubu about his intentions, rather than sending mixed signals.
“It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace, those who genuinely want peace work and act for it,” Wike said. “These are the same people pleading for peace, but at the same time doing things that are contrary to what they are pleading for.
“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, and I am sure they know that, because they are not sincere with their up and down pleadings for peace.
“As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality that yesterday’s show of shame and we apologize to our First Lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the characters and ideals of the people of Rivers State.”
What you should know
The apology from Wike comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, where factions continue to clash over loyalty to suspended Governor Fubara. The walkout during the First Lady’s empowerment event has deepened the political rift and sparked national attention.
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