Rivers women under the Rivers Professional Women League (RPWL) have firmly denied claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that they staged a walkout on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The women said the claims were misleading and unfair, noting that the event in question, held on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Port Harcourt, was marred by confusion over who was representing the First Lady. In a detailed statement signed by RPWL President Nimi Fiberesima, Secretary Jennifer Boms Wolugbom, and Director of Publicity Tambari Menete, the group clarified that their actions were not directed at the First Lady or her office.
The incident occurred during a women’s empowerment programme organized under the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative. Attendees, including many Rivers women, had expected to be addressed by Hajiya Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, they were surprised to see that Dr. Theresa Ibas, wife of the sole administrator, was the one representing Mrs. Tinubu.
This unexpected change reportedly sparked disappointment among the women, many of whom felt slighted. “The disconnect is that women were misinformed,” the statement reads. “They happily mobilised and excitedly prepared to receive [Hajiya Fatima Abbas], but were shocked to see Mrs. Theresa Ibas, which in itself was improper.”
Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, condemned the women’s behavior and described it as a “show of shame.” He further claimed the women acted contrary to peace efforts and embarrassed both the First Lady and the President. But RPWL insists this version of events is a political twist.
They noted that it has become routine for Wike to “spin the narrative to soothe his purpose” and accused him of stirring up unnecessary conflict in Rivers politics. “We are miffed by this constant unnecessary heating up of Rivers’ polity,” the women stated. They also said Governor Siminalayi Fubara had no involvement in the event or the women’s reaction.
Citing similar events in other states, the RPWL questioned why the same standard was not applied in Rivers. They mentioned a case in Delta State where students expressed discontent during a visit by the First Lady without any political fallout. “Why are things always different in Rivers State just because Wike is a Minister?” they asked.
The group stressed that they hold President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady in high regard. “Rivers women did not and cannot walk out on the First Lady… Such a narrative is the imaginative spinning of Chief Nyesom Wike to blackmail Rivers people, as always.”
They called on Wike to respect the peaceful intentions of the people and warned against using political office to cause division. “Political position is transient,” the women noted, urging all parties to act with humility and focus on unity.
