FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has strongly condemned the walkout staged by a group of Rivers women during First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's empowerment event in Port Harcourt. The incident, which occurred on May 2 during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment program, involved women disrupting the event and chanting slogans in support of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike described the protest as "very disturbing and embarrassing" and apologized to the First Lady and President Bola Tinubu for the conduct of the protesters.

Wike, currently on official duty in China, issued a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, claiming the walkout was orchestrated by women loyal to the suspended Governor Fubara. He stated that insulting anyone representing the First Lady is a direct insult to the office of the President. Wike urged Fubara to be forthright with President Tinubu about his intentions and to act sincerely in the pursuit of peace in Rivers State. He accused Fubara's supporters of hypocrisy, alleging they publicly call for peace while secretly fueling actions that destabilize the state.

According to Olayinka, the women who staged the walkout were led by sacked local government vice chairmen, believed to be supporters of Governor Fubara. They disrupted the event after the wife of Ibok-Ette Ibas, the state’s sole administrator appointed by President Tinubu, was invited to speak. The women chanted, "Bring back Fubara" and "We want Sim," before leaving the venue. The protest continued outside while the event proceeded indoors.

Wike has called on Fubara to be honest with President Tinubu, stating that it is not enough to plead for peace while simultaneously sponsoring actions that undermine it. He emphasized that such "shenanigans" would not bring peace and that sincerity is essential for resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The Minister also cautioned supporters of the suspended governor to desist from ridiculing the State.

The Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment program was organized by the office of the First Lady of Nigeria, aimed to empower 500 women in Rivers State. The event was disrupted when the protesting women walked out, expressing their displeasure and demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.