Hundreds of women in Rivers State dramatically walked out of an empowerment program after becoming displeased with the proceedings. The event, organized under the “Renewed Hope Initiative” by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, turned chaotic when Mrs. Theresa Ibas, the wife of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd), was invited to speak on behalf of the First Lady.
The women, evidently upset, interrupted the program, chanting “We want Sim!” and “Bring back Fubara!” Their frustration stemmed from Senator Remi Tinubu’s absence despite prior indications that she would be present. Furthermore, the exclusion of the Rivers State First Lady, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, from the event drew sharp criticism.
Eyewitnesses reported that the women were angered when Mrs. Ibas began her address with terms they felt were dismissive, such as “great, great women of Rivers State.” This further fueled their decision to walk out, demanding that either Valerie Sim-Fubara or Senator Remi Tinubu address them.
Efforts by the organizers to calm the protesting women and return order to the disrupted program proved unsuccessful, as the group ultimately left the venue en masse.
