Fubara Rebukes Wike Over “Illogical” Accusation at First Lady’s Empowerment Event
Political Firestorm in Rivers: Fubara Rebukes Wike Over “Illogical” Accusation at First Lady’s Empowerment Event
A heated political showdown erupted over the weekend as the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, responded forcefully to accusations made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The dispute centers around a dramatic walkout by women during a women’s empowerment event organized under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. 👩⚖️💼
In a statement issued Saturday by the Rivers State Coordinator of the RHI, Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, Fubara described Wike’s remarks as “illogical” and “patently false,” insisting that he had fully supported the event, despite being on vacation. ✈️📝
The Incident ⚠️
During the RHI/SDG empowerment programme held in Port Harcourt on Friday, tensions rose when attendees vocally rejected a speech by Dr Theresa Ibas, wife of the sole administrator of Rivers State. Chanting in unison, the women declared, “We want Fubara, not Ibas,” expressing outrage at being addressed by someone they claimed was not their legitimate First Lady. 🙅♀️🎙️
This disruption prompted Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, to accuse Fubara of deliberately sabotaging the event — a claim that has now provoked fierce backlash from Fubara’s camp. ⚔️
Fubara’s Rebuttal 🛡️
Fubara’s office categorically rejected the accusation, emphasizing his dedication to the RHI’s mission. “Governor Fubara ensured full logistical and moral support for the programme,” the statement read. “To suggest he orchestrated its disruption is not only unfounded but deeply mischievous.” 🏛️💪
The statement also clarified that the event had been proceeding smoothly until the moment Mrs Ibas attempted to speak. According to the RHI’s Rivers office, it was the women attendees themselves who voiced their disapproval, not any orchestrated faction loyal to Fubara. 🗣️📢
Deeper Political Undercurrents 🌊
The walkout has become a symbolic flashpoint in the ongoing power tussle between the Fubara and Wike camps. Wike, who once anointed Fubara as his successor, has since turned into his most vocal opponent, accusing him of disloyalty and rebellion. ⚖️🧨
Observers say this latest incident underscores not only the political fracture in Rivers State but also the wider implications for national unity within the ruling APC. The embarrassment at a presidential initiative has now morphed into a bitter feud between two of the state’s most influential figures. 🇳🇬🔍
Public Sentiment 🗳️
Social media has since exploded with reactions. Videos of the women chanting their support for Fubara have gone viral, with many praising their boldness. One user commented, “They told the women the President’s wife was coming, then brought the administrator’s wife instead. They refused to be deceived.” 🎥📱
Another tweet read: “This wasn’t politics. This was about truth. Rivers women stood their ground.” ✊👩🏾
Call for Clarity 🔍
Meanwhile, political analysts and civil society groups are calling for a de-escalation of hostilities and greater transparency regarding the ongoing administrative impasse in Rivers. They argue that the real victims of these feuds are the people — especially women and youths who need empowerment programmes the most. 🧒👩🦰🤝
Conclusion 🧾
As the dust settles from this fiery exchange, one thing is clear: Rivers State remains a boiling cauldron of political tensions. Whether the Renewed Hope Initiative can continue its mission without further entanglement in partisan strife remains uncertain. ⏳⚖️
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