‘Be Bold Enough to Tell President Tinubu What You Want’ – Wike Slams Fubara’s Camp Over Walkout on First Lady
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at supporters of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, condemning their orchestrated walkout on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during an official event in Port Harcourt.
Wike, currently on official engagements in China, described the incident as “very disturbing and embarrassing,” particularly for the people of Rivers State whom he said were misrepresented by the actions of a few. “As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality that yesterday’s show of shame,” Wike said. “We apologize to our First Lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the characters and ideals of the people of Rivers State.”
The event, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme organized by the First Lady’s office, was intended to support 500 women with various empowerment items. However, a group led by sacked local government vice chairmen loyal to Governor Fubara staged a walkout, prompting outrage.
In a statement released Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike made it clear that the actions of the group insulted not just the First Lady but also the President. “An 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,” he stated.
Wike challenged the suspended governor directly, urging him to act with sincerity and consistency. “He should be bold enough to tell President Tinubu what exactly he wants, rather than saying something today and doing another thing tomorrow,” Wike said. “It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace—those who genuinely want peace work and act for it.”
Highlighting the contradiction in the governor’s approach, he added: “These are the same people pleading for peace, but at the same time doing things that are contrary to what they are pleading for. How can you say you want peace and at the same time, you are sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife?”
Wike warned that such actions only further undermine peace efforts and portray Rivers State in a negative light.