The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has condemned the walkout staged by a group of women during an empowerment programme organised by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt. Wike described the incident as disgraceful and issued an apology to the President and his wife on behalf of Rivers people.

The event, held at the EUI Centre in Port Harcourt’s GRA, was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, a federal programme designed to empower 500 women across the state. However, the programme was disrupted when a group of women—reportedly loyal to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara—stormed out of the venue in protest.

Sources revealed that the walkout was led by some sacked local government vice-chairpersons who are aligned with Governor Fubara. The group claimed they were deliberately sidelined and replaced by supporters of Wike on the official programme list.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike—who is currently in China on official engagement—criticised the women’s actions, calling them a “show of shame” and an embarrassment to the state.

“Those involved do not represent the values and character of Rivers people. On behalf of those who believe in my leadership, I apologise to the First Lady for this disgraceful conduct,” Wike stated.

He went further to allege that Governor Fubara sponsored the walkout, accusing him of using political theatrics that contradict his public appeals for peace.

“You cannot plead for peace on one hand and encourage people to disrespect the President and his wife on the other. These actions clearly show insincerity,” Wike said.

He challenged Fubara to be open about his intentions and communicate honestly with President Bola Tinubu if he genuinely seeks peace in the state.

“Instead of this back-and-forth, the governor should be bold enough to tell the President exactly what he wants,” he added.

The latest development underscores the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, as tensions between Wike and his successor, Fubara, continue to escalate and impact both local governance and national engagements.