Women Stage Walkout At Remi Tinubu Empowerment Programme In Rivers (Video)
A group of women on Friday walked out of the renewed hope initiative empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers, demanding the return of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state.
The event was organised at the behest of Remi Tinubu, the first lady, in collaboration with the office of the senior special adviser to the president on sustainable development goals.
The programme was convened to distribute empowerment items to women across the state.
However, the programme took an unexpected turn when Theresa, wife of Ibok-Ette Ibas — the sole administrator of the state — was invited to speak, prompting some women to walk out of the event, chanting slogans like “Bring back Fubara, we don’t know Ibas”, and “We want Sim.”
The demonstration continued outside the event centre as the programme went on indoors, with Ibas’ wife delivering a speech on behalf of the first lady.
Background
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.
Several stakeholders have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state’s affairs.
There have been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.
However, the women present, at the empowerment programme cried out saying that they want the return of their governor.
One of the women said;
‘’We want Sim. If it is not Valeria, we do not want anybody again”
Another visibly angry Rivers woman, said;
‘’Who is that impostor? Ibas’s wife is addressing Rivers women. Who is she? Come on pack your load madam!”
Another said;
‘’We want Mrs Oluremi Tinubu to come and address the women. She is the one we have waited for. We don’t need the wife of a stranger! We want Sim right now, today not tomorrow”
One woman said;
‘’She should go to Calabar and collect first lady. We want Sim”
Watch the video below…
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