In a dramatic turn of events that reflects the deepening political tensions in Rivers State, hundreds of women staged a walkout during an empowerment programme in Port Harcourt on Friday, demanding to be addressed by either Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, or Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, the wife of the state governor.
The event, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, was hosted at the prestigious EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, with the intention of empowering 500 women across the state through support items and financial aid. However, what was expected to be a celebration of women’s empowerment quickly turned political.
Dressed in colourful traditional attire, the women had turned out in large numbers, anticipating the presence of Senator Tinubu or, at the very least, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, in accordance with Rivers State’s political and social hierarchy.
Tensions flared when Dr. Theresa Ibas, wife of the state’s controversial Sole Administrator, was called upon to address the gathering. The women, visibly upset, began chanting slogans such as “We want SIM!” and “We want Valerie Fubara!”—declaring their loyalty to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his wife, whom they described as the only recognised leaders in the state.
“We don’t know Ibas,” many women shouted. “Tinubu is our President, and Sim Fubara is our Governor.”
Speaking to reporters, one protester expressed her frustration: “We came here dressed in our best attire to honour the First Lady. If she couldn’t come, we expected to see our own First Lady, Lady Valerie. Not the wife of someone we did not elect.”
Favour Ekpeye, another participant, clarified that the walkout was not aimed at disrespecting the President’s wife, but rather a protest against being addressed by a surrogate they felt was politically imposed.
“The narrative that we rejected the wife of the President is false,” Ekpeye explained. “We love Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, and we are grateful for her empowerment programmes. But the person they sent does not represent us. We are Rivers women, and we stand with our governor and his wife.”
Despite repeated efforts by organisers to calm the gathering, the walkout proceeded as the chants of “We want SIM!” echoed through the venue. Observers said the incident was a powerful indication of the grassroots political sentiment in Rivers State and the ongoing fallout from the political standoff between Governor Fubara and the federal-backed leadership faction represented by the Sole Administrator.
The event has added another layer to the ongoing power struggle in the state, with Fubara’s supporters pushing back against perceived attempts to undermine his authority. The protest also underscores the increasing influence of women in political mobilisation in the state, particularly as they openly reject any representation not rooted in democratic legitimacy.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Lady Valerie have grown in popularity among Rivers residents following their firm stance on autonomy and grassroots development in recent months. This show of support from women, who represent a critical voting bloc, could have long-term implications for the political landscape of the state.
As of press time, neither the Office of the First Lady nor the Rivers State Government had issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, political analysts note that the walkout sends a clear message: Rivers women are demanding genuine representation and recognition—and they are not afraid to walk away when those demands are unmet.