Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the walkout staged on Friday, May 2, by a group of women during an event hosted in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt. Wike alleged the protest was orchestrated by individuals loyal to suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The incident took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme, held at the EUI Event Centre, GRA, Port Harcourt. The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady, aimed to empower 500 women in Rivers State through various support packages.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Wike described the walkout as “deeply disturbing and embarrassing,” issuing a public apology to both President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady.

“An insult directed at anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria at an official event is a direct affront to the Office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Wike said. “As a leader in Rivers State, I offer my unreserved apology.”

Olayinka further alleged that the protest was led by “some sacked local government vice chairmen,” accusing them of deliberately disrupting the programme in a bid to create instability and disrespect state institutions.

Speaking from China, where he is on official duties, Wike admonished Fubara’s supporters to stop actions that he says tarnish the state’s image. “You can’t claim to be pursuing peace while simultaneously sponsoring actions that breed conflict and disrespect,” he said.

He challenged the sincerity of the Fubara camp, adding, “Those who truly desire peace don’t engage in double-speak. Visiting people to plead for reconciliation while backing acts of insubordination and public insult is the height of hypocrisy.”

Condemning what he termed "disingenuous calls for peace," Wike asserted that the walkout was not only shameful but also a setback to the values of civility and respect. “All those shenanigans will not bring peace. They only expose the insincerity of those making empty appeals.”

Concluding his remarks, Wike distanced himself and his allies from the protest, stating: “For me and those who align with my leadership, we condemn in totality yesterday’s disgraceful act. We apologise to our First Lady for the conduct of a few who do not represent the values and dignity of Rivers people.”