The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has apologized to President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following the disruption of an empowerment event in Port Harcourt by a group of women allegedly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The incident occurred during a program organized under the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at supporting 500 women across Rivers State. The event, held at the EUI Centre in the GRA area of the state capital, was marred when the women staged a walkout shortly after the First Lady began her address.
In a statement issued from China, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication And Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who is in China for an official duty described the disruption as disgraceful and expressed deep regret over the conduct.
He emphasized that the actions of the women did not reflect the values of the people of the Treasure Base of the Nation (Rivers).
The former governor blamed the incident on what he described as deliberate political provocation allegedly orchestrated by Governor Fubara. He said the development was not only disrespectful but also harmful to ongoing efforts to resolve the political crisis in the state.
“For those of us who believe in responsible leadership, we distance ourselves from what transpired yesterday. That incident does not represent the people of Rivers State. On behalf of all those who stand for decency, I offer a sincere apology to Mr. President and the First Lady,” the minister stated.
Wike accused his successor of playing politics with peace efforts and urged him to clarify his true intentions to the President, instead of sending conflicting signals.
“Anyone who claims to seek peace must back it up with consistent actions. You cannot visit people to ask for reconciliation while funding activities that undermine respect for national leadership,” he said.
He maintained that such conduct would only deepen the political rift and stall progress, rather than contribute to the resolution of issues affecting the state.
The First Lady has yet to publicly respond to the incident.
