● Douglas Ebie
PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has dismissed as “deeply misleading” a statement from the media office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which it says wrongly attempts to implicate Governor Siminalayi Fubara in a disruption that occurred during the RHI/SDG Women Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, the State Coordinator of RHI, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, clarified that Governor Fubara is a “strong supporter” of the Renewed Hope Initiative and has consistently demonstrated commitment to its objectives. She noted that despite being on vacation, the Governor provided full support – logistical and otherwise – to ensure the success of the empowerment programme, which was implemented under the leadership of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“The event was progressing smoothly, and Rivers women were very appreciative of the programme,” Mrs. Oniyide stated. “The disruption only occurred when Mrs. Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator, began to speak. The women openly voiced their disapproval, saying they did not recognise her as their First Lady.”
She stressed that the disruption had no connection to the Governor or the RHI office, describing claims to the contrary by Mr. Lere Olayinka of the FCT Minister’s media team as “not only illogical but patently false.”
Participants at Renewed Hope Initiative / Women Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt, Friday.
The RHI Coordinator said it was regrettable that political actors were attempting to twist the narrative of a successful, non-partisan initiative. “It is unfortunate that instead of appreciating Governor Fubara’s unwavering support for women-focused initiatives, some have chosen to politicise the event for narrow interests,” she said.
Mrs. Oniyide also emphasized that the women of Rivers State have always been known for their unity and dignity beyond politics. “Tensions only arise when outsiders attempt to impose their preferences on our people,” she added.
Describing the empowerment programme as a “resounding success,” the RHI office reiterated that all stakeholders, especially the women beneficiaries, were satisfied with the outcome.
“We urge the public to disregard the unfounded claims made by Mr. Olayinka,” Mrs. Oniyide concluded. “His remarks reflect a lack of understanding of the values and dynamics of Rivers State.”
The Rivers RHI office also extended its appreciation to Governor Fubara for what it described as his “unwavering support and commitment” to the empowerment of women in the state. GMTNewsng
