The Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has issued a statement to set the record straight on a recent controversy surrounding the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt.
The statement, signed by Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in Rivers State, described a recent statement from the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as “misleading” and “regrettable”.
According to the statement, the controversy arose when Mrs. Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator, attempted to make a speech at the empowerment programme, but was met with vocal opposition from the women in attendance.
They reportedly stated that they did not recognise her as their First Lady and would prefer not to be addressed by her.
The RHI Office clarified that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, despite being on vacation, ensured full support for the programme, which was organised under the esteemed leadership of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The statement described as “illogical” and “patently false” any insinuation that Governor Fubara would sabotage a programme he actively supported and funded.
The Office also expressed disappointment that certain individuals would resort to propaganda for narrow political gain, rather than appreciating the Governor’s consistent support for women-focused initiatives. The statement noted that the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme in Rivers State was a resounding success, with all stakeholders, including the women beneficiaries, pleased with the organisation and outcome of the event.
The only disruption, according to the statement, occurred during the speech by the wife of the Rivers State Administrator, an issue that has nothing to do with the Governor or the RHI Office.
The RHI Office has therefore urged the public to disregard the unsubstantiated statements made by Mr. Lere Olayinka, describing them as baseless and betraying a lack of understanding of the values and dynamics of Rivers State.
However, the RHI Office extended its heartfelt appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his unwavering support and commitment to the success of the programme and to the empowerment of the women of Rivers State.
