By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over a walkout staged by some women during an empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event was organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative to empower 500 women in the State.
It held at the EUI Centre in the Government Reserved Area of the state capital.
The women, said to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, walked out of the venue after alleging they were replaced on the programme list.
They claimed that loyalists of Wike were given prominence instead.
Reacting to the incident, Wike described it as a “show of shame” and a direct insult to the offices of the President and the First Lady.
Wike, who is currently on official assignment in China, issued the apology in a statement through his aide, Lere Olayinka.
He said the incident did not reflect the character of Rivers people.
“For me and those who believe in my leadership, we condemn that disgraceful act in totality,” Wike stated.
He added, “We apologise to the First Lady for the unfortunate behaviour of a few individuals who do not represent our values.”
Wike alleged that the walkout was orchestrated by Governor Fubara as part of a political strategy.
He criticised the governor’s peace overtures, saying they contradict his actions.
“You cannot claim to want peace and at the same time sponsor people to insult the President and his wife,” he said.
Wike urged Fubara to be honest and clearly state his demands before President Tinubu.
He said the back-and-forth drama would not bring peace to the state.
The development is the latest in the lingering political crisis between Wike and his successor.
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