On Friday, a group of women walked out of a Renewed Hope Initiative event in Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital, while demanding the reinstatement of Fubara, suspended governor of the state.  

The event was part of an initiative to support 500 women across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Lere Olayinka, his senior special assistant on public communications and social media, Wike condemned the walkout and apologised to President Bola Tinubu and the first lady.

‘INSULT ON THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT’

“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.” 

The former governor, who is currently in China on an official engagement, implored Fubara’s supporters to stop soiling the image of the state.

Wike accused the governor of double-speak, urging him to be sincere in his engagements with the presidency.

In April, Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London over the protracted political crisis that culminated in his suspension.

“It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace. Those who genuinely want peace work and act for it,” Wike 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?

“All those shenanigans won’t bring peace, and I am sure they know that, because they are not sincere with their up-and-down pleadings for peace.”

Wike said he and his supporters “condemn” the protest “in totality”.

“We apologise to our first lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not reflect the values and ideals of Rivers state,” he added.

BACKGROUND

On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.

He also suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

The Rivers governor returned to the country from a two-week vacation on Friday.