Wike Apologises To First Lady Over Walkout By Fubara’s Alleged Loyalists

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has tendered an apology to First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over what he described as a “sponsored walkout” by a group of women during an empowerment event in Port Harcourt on Friday.

In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister condemned the actions of the women’s group believed to be loyal to suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike, who is currently on an official engagement in China, expressed embarrassment over the incident, which occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme.

The walkout, led by some sacked local government vice chairmen, was seen as a snub against the First Lady.

“Insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria in an event is a direct insult on the Office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Wike said

“As a leader in Rivers State, I apologise,” he added and described the incident as “very disturbing and embarrassing.”

The Minister warned supporters of the suspended governor against actions that could bring the state to ridicule.

He further challenged Fubara to be forthright with President Bola Tinubu about his political intentions.

He said, “It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace. Those who genuinely want peace work and act for it. How can you say you want peace and at the same time sponsor people to insult the President and his wife?”

Wike added that such conduct only undermines efforts toward reconciliation and stability, and stated that “all those shenanigans won’t bring peace.”

Wike reiterated his commitment to respectful political engagement and distanced himself and his supporters from what he termed “yesterday’s show of shame.”

“We condemn in totality the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the characters and ideals of the people of Rivers State. On behalf of myself and those who subscribe to my leadership, we sincerely apologise to our First Lady,” he said.

Wike Apologises To First Lady Over Walkout By Fubara’s Alleged Loyalists is first published on The Whistler Newspaper