The Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has described as misleading and politically motivated, a statement issued by the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which it says falsely implicated Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the disruption of the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt on Friday.
In a press statement signed by the State Coordinator of RHI, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, the office refuted claims made by Lere Olayinka, accusing Governor Fubara of sabotaging the event, which was organized under the auspices of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a strong supporter of the Renewed Hope Initiative and remains deeply committed to its vision and objectives, despite being on vacation, the Governor ensured full logistical and moral support for the success of the empowerment programme.”
Also Read: Wike Condemns Sponsored Walkout On First Lady, Says “It is disturbing, embarrassing”
According to the RHI office, the programme had been progressing smoothly and was well-received by Rivers women until a disruption occurred during the speech of Mrs. Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator. Women reportedly objected to her presence, insisting they did not recognize her as their First Lady.
“To insinuate that Governor Fubara would sabotage a programme he actively supported and funded is not only illogical but patently false,” the statement continued. “Such claims are deeply misleading and appear to be a calculated attempt to politicize a well-meaning, non-partisan event.”
The RHI Office maintained that the empowerment programme was a success, adding that all stakeholders—including the women beneficiaries—were satisfied with the organisation and impact of the initiative. It stressed that the disruption had no connection to the Governor or his office.
“The comments by Olayinka are not only baseless but betray a lack of understanding of the values and dynamics of Rivers State. Rivers women are known for their unity and dignity beyond political affiliations, tensions only arise when external political forces attempt to impose themselves on the people,” the statement said.
The RHI office expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his unwavering support and commitment to the success of the programme and the continued empowerment of Rivers women.
