Renewed Hope Initiative Denies Fubara’s Involvement in Protest at First Lady’s Event
The Rivers State office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has firmly denied allegations linking Governor Siminalayi Fubara to a protest that disrupted a women’s empowerment event hosted by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in Port Harcourt.
In a statement released Saturday by Rivers RHI Coordinator, Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, the group expressed “deep disappointment” over what it described as an “unjust attempt” by the media office of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to implicate Fubara in the incident.
The disruption occurred Friday at the RHI/Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Women Empowerment Programme held at the EUI Event Centre. During a speech by Mrs Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator, some attendees reportedly protested, claiming she was not their recognized First Lady, instead voicing support for Governor Fubara’s wife, Valerie Fubara.
Wike’s media office had labelled the protest “disturbing and embarrassing,” alleging it was orchestrated by Fubara’s supporters.
However, Briggs-Oniyide rebutted the claims, saying:
“To insinuate that Governor Fubara would sabotage a programme he actively supported and funded is not only illogical but patently false.”
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She clarified that the governor, who is currently on vacation, provided full logistical and financial backing for the event in alignment with the goals of the Renewed Hope Initiative. The event had seen enthusiastic turnout until the walkout, which she characterised as spontaneous and unconnected to the state government.
The statement also condemned remarks by Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, as “deeply misleading” and an attempt to politicize a non-partisan event.
Briggs-Oniyide stressed that Rivers women remain united in their support for initiatives that promote empowerment, regardless of political affiliations.
