Wike slams walkout on First Lady, calls It disrespectful
By Kunle Sanni
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has condemned the walkout staged against First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu by a group of women loyal to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the act as “embarrassing” and “disturbing.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike apologized to the First Lady and President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the people of Rivers State. He stressed that disrespect toward the First Lady or her representative is tantamount to insulting the Office of the President.
The incident took place at the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt, where 500 women were scheduled to receive support items. A group led by dismissed local government vice chairmen walked out of the event, drawing criticism from multiple quarters.
Wike, currently on an official visit to China, urged supporters of Governor Fubara to desist from acts that, according to him, demean the state. He also questioned the sincerity of the governor’s peace overtures, accusing him of encouraging actions that contradict his public statements.
“It is not enough to go around pleading for peace while sponsoring disrespectful conduct—even towards the President and his wife,” Wike stated. “These antics will not foster peace, and they know it.”
He reiterated that the walkout does not reflect the values of Rivers State, emphasizing the need for respectful engagement at all levels.
“As for me and those who share my values, we categorically denounce the shameful conduct and tender an unreserved apology to the First Lady. Those responsible do not represent the ideals of Rivers people,” he said.
