By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned the walkout staged against Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, by a group of women in Port Harcourt, describing it as an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State.
The incident occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme meant to benefit over 500 women, organized by the Office of the First Lady, held at the EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt.
Wike who pointed out that the staged walkout does not reflect the values and character of Rivers people, reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability, calling on political actors to demonstrate sincerity and unity of purpose in their actions.
“As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality that yesterday’s show of shame and 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 women , allegedly have been mobilized by loyalists of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, including some recently sacked Local Government Vice Chairmen,during the event.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, says Wike, who is currently on official assignment in China, described the action as “very disturbing and embarrassing.”
The statement cautioned supporters of the suspended governor against actions that ridicule the state and urged Governor Fubara to be transparent in his dealings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace, those who genuinely want peace work and act for it.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? All those shenanigans won’t bring peace,” Wike noted.