Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sharply criticized a walkout that took place during an event organized by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The walkout, led by women loyal to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, was deemed by Wike as an embarrassing act for the people of Rivers State.

The incident occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment program, which was designed to benefit 500 women in the state. The event, held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt, was meant to provide various empowerment items to these women. However, a group of women, including sacked Local Government Vice Chairpersons, staged a walkout during the proceedings, causing a disruption.

Currently in China for official duties, Wike expressed regret over the incident and offered his apologies to the First Lady and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He explained that any disrespect toward the First Lady or her representatives is also an insult to the office of the President and the Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria. Wike made it clear that as a leader in Rivers State, he felt the need to apologize on behalf of the people of the state.

Wike described the walkout as “disturbing and embarrassing,” emphasizing that such actions harm the state’s reputation. He cautioned Fubara’s supporters to refrain from making the state a laughingstock, urging them to act with more decorum. He also advised the suspended governor to be honest and transparent with President Tinubu about his intentions, rather than making conflicting statements.

The FCT Minister criticized the suspended governor for trying to appear peaceful while engaging in actions that contradicted this stance. Wike pointed out that those who genuinely seek peace do not engage in acts that insult the President or his wife. He was confident that these actions would not contribute to bringing peace to Rivers State.

Wike firmly condemned the walkout, calling it a “show of shame,” and reiterated his apology to the First Lady for the embarrassment caused by the few women involved. He also reassured the public that these women do not represent the values or ideals of Rivers State.