Wike Slams Walkout on First Lady by Fubara’s Loyalists, Calls Incident a Disgrace to Rivers State

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep displeasure over the recent protest by a group of women loyal to suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who walked out on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The walkout occurred during a women empowerment programme held at the EUI Centre in Port Harcourt, as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative—an event that quickly spiraled into controversy and political drama.

The incident unfolded when the women refused to be addressed by Theresa Ibas, wife of the state’s interim administrator and representative of the First Lady at the event. Instead, they demanded that only Valerie Fubara, the wife of the embattled governor, should speak on behalf of the women of Rivers State. What began as a developmental forum aimed at empowering women thus descended into a politically charged protest, drawing national attention.

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 Wike Condemns Walkout as Insult to Presidential Office

In a strongly worded statement issued from China, where he is currently on official duties, Minister Wike described the protest as “very disturbing and embarrassing.” Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike unequivocally condemned the actions of the protesters, branding the episode as a disgrace to the good people of Rivers State.

Wike issued a formal apology to both First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu, stating that an insult on the First Lady or her representative is a direct affront to the office of the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

He said, “As a leader in Rivers State, I apologize unreservedly for the humiliation meted out to the First Lady’s representative. That act does not reflect the culture, values, or ideals of our state.”

Wike emphasized the importance of upholding decorum and respect in political engagements, particularly where high-ranking state and national officials are involved. He insisted that the women’s actions did not represent the sentiments of Rivers citizens but were the handiwork of a minority pushing a divisive political agenda.

The FCT Minister also used the opportunity to challenge Governor Siminalayi Fubara to be forthright in his dealings with President Tinubu, accusing him of double-speaking in the ongoing power tussle. “It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace while your associates are actively sabotaging it through actions like this,” Wike cautioned.

According to him, if Fubara genuinely seeks peace, he must act in accordance with his words and refrain from enabling actions that incite discord and embarrass the state. Wike questioned the sincerity of the suspended governor and his supporters, accusing them of “sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife.”

Wike’s reaction underscores the increasingly volatile political climate in Rivers State, where a power struggle between factions loyal to the Minister and those aligned with Fubara continues to escalate. The incident at the women’s event adds fuel to the ongoing crisis, further deepening the rift within the state’s political landscape.

The former Rivers State governor emphasized that while disagreements are inevitable in politics, deliberate public insults aimed at the highest offices in the land cross a red line. He described the walkout as a “show of shame” that does not reflect the values of decency, respect, and unity that should guide public conduct, especially among political actors and their supporters.

“We must condemn in totality such embarrassing behavior. The few women who acted out this drama do not represent the character of Rivers women,” Wike declared, affirming that many Rivers citizens still respect national institutions and leadership.

While tensions in Rivers State remain unresolved, this latest development has highlighted the extent to which internal disputes have spilled over into public spaces, with implications for the state’s relationship with the federal government. Wike’s rebuke signals a readiness to distance himself and his faction from any action deemed disrespectful or disruptive to national unity and the authority of the presidency.

In a final note, Wike urged all parties in the Rivers political scene to pursue peace with genuine intent and to avoid actions that undermine efforts to restore stability. “True peace comes from consistent and sincere actions, not from saying one thing and doing the opposite,” he concluded.

As Nigerians continue to watch the unfolding drama in Rivers State, many will be keen to see whether Wike’s stern rebuke can temper rising tensions and bring an end to the string of public embarrassments linked to political infighting.