Tensions ran high in Rivers State on Thursday as hundreds of women walked out of an empowerment programme organized under the “Renewed Hope Initiative” of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The women, who had gathered with expectations of being addressed by the First Lady herself, became visibly upset when the wife of the Sole Administrator, Mrs. Theresa Ibas, was introduced to speak on her behalf. As she began her remarks with, “Great, great women of Rivers State. Wonderful women,” discontent swept through the audience.

Chants erupted from the crowd: “We want Sim!”, “Bring back Fubara!”, and “Let Valerie Sim-Fubara or Remi Tinubu speak to us!” The protesters soon stormed out of the venue, bringing the programme to an abrupt end.

Eyewitnesses said the women were angered not only by Senator Tinubu’s absence—after reportedly being informed she would attend—but also by the exclusion of the Rivers State First Lady, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, from the official event lineup.

“We were told the First Lady of the country would be here. If she’s not coming, then our own First Lady, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, should speak. Not someone who doesn’t represent us,” one participant said.

Organisers made attempts to restore calm, but the crowd remained defiant, insisting on hearing from someone they recognized as a legitimate representative of the state.

This protest reflects the deepening political divide in Rivers State following the ongoing conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It also highlights growing grassroots resistance to perceived federal interference and symbolic gestures that overlook local leadership.

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, political analysts say this kind of public display signals a shifting tide in political loyalty and could influence broader support across the state.