As political tensions deepen in Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern rebuke to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of hypocrisy, insincerity, and double standards in his engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the broader peace process in the state.
Wike’s criticism was made public in a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
The former Rivers State governor, now serving in Tinubu’s cabinet, challenged Fubara to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace, stating that actions—not appearances—would determine the sincerity of any reconciliation effort.
“It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace; those who genuinely want peace work and act for it,” Wike stated. “How can you say you want peace and at the same time sponsor people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife? These shenanigans will not bring peace.”
Wike’s remarks were prompted by a recent incident involving a group of women alleged to be supporters of Governor Fubara, who staged a dramatic walkout during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme in Port Harcourt.
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The event, organized by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed to empower 500 women in the state, but was disrupted when the attendees exited the venue in protest.
The disruption sparked public outrage and national attention, with many interpreting the action as a politically motivated snub directed at the First Lady and the Tinubu administration.
Describing the walkout as “very disturbing and embarrassing,” Wike disassociated the people of Rivers State from the incident, condemning it as a “show of shame” orchestrated by a minority that does not reflect the values of the state.
“As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality yesterday’s conduct and apologise to our First Lady for the embarrassing behavior of a few women who do not represent the character and values of Rivers people,” he said.
Wike further emphasized that insulting the First Lady or her representatives equates to disrespecting the office of the President, stating, “I apologise to President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady on behalf of the good people of Rivers State.”
Speaking from China where he is currently on an official assignment, the FCT Minister called on political leaders and stakeholders in Rivers to act with decorum, uphold the dignity of public office, and focus on the collective interest of the state.
The Rivers political crisis continues to escalate, with growing calls for restraint and reconciliation from national stakeholders.
The recent protest has added another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Wike and Fubara, who were once political allies.