Tonye Oniyide, coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in Rivers, says Siminalayi Fubara, suspended governor of the state, is not behind the protest at First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s empowerment programme.
On Friday, a group of women walked out of the RHI event in Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital, while demanding the reinstatement Fubara, the suspended governor.
The empowerment programme was sponsored by the first lady in partnership with the office of the senior special adviser to the president on sustainable development goals to support 500 women across the state.
Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), had blamed Fubara for the protest, demanding an apology to the first lady.
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In a statement issued on Saturday, Oniyide said Olayinka’s remark is “regrettable and misleading”.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored such political mischief, but it is important to set the record straight for the benefit of the public,” the statement reads.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a strong supporter of the Renewed Hope Initiative and remains deeply committed to its vision and objectives.
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“Despite being on vacation, the Governor ensured full support—logistical and otherwise—for the success of the recent empowerment programme organised under the esteemed leadership of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“To insinuate that Governor Fubara would sabotage a programme he actively supported and funded is not only illogical but patently false.
“Such claims by Mr Lere Olayinka are deeply misleading and appear to be a calculated attempt to politicise a well-meaning, non-partisan event.
“The Rivers State RHI Office finds it unfortunate that certain individuals, rather than appreciating the Governor’s consistent support for women-focused initiatives, would instead resort to propaganda for narrow political gain.
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“Rivers women are known for their dignity and unity beyond political affiliations, and it is only when external political actors attempt to impose their will that tensions arise.”
Oniyide said the empowerment programme was a “resounding success” despite the demonstration at the event.
“All stakeholders, including the women beneficiaries, were pleased with the organisation and outcome of the event,” she said.
Oniyide asked Nigerians to disregard Olayinka’s “unsubstantiated” comment, adding that it is “baseless” and does not represent the values of Rivers.
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