A gathering of women in Rivers State turned tense on Thursday after attendees accused event organizers of misleading them about the identity of a high-profile guest.
The women, who came out in large numbers, said they were informed that the event would be graced by Hajiya Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, representing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. However, upon arrival, they were surprised to find Mrs. Theresa Ibas, wife of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, in attendance instead.
Many of the women expressed disappointment and disapproval, stating they would not have participated had they known who would actually appear. Tensions reportedly escalated when Mrs. Ibas addressed the crowd and referred to them as “my women,” a remark some attendees saw as condescending.
“She does not represent us,” said one of the women. “We didn’t vote for her husband and we will not allow her to speak on our behalf.”
The gathering, which was initially organized to show support for the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, ended with Rivers women reaffirming their loyalty to Senator Remi Tinubu.
“We remain grateful to Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, and pledge our unwavering support to the Renewed Hope Initiative,” said Christy Glory Sunday, spokesperson for the Rivers Women United for Solidarity (RWUS).
The incident has sparked conversation about transparency and political representation in the state, with many calling for better communication and respect for grassroots women’s groups in future political engagements.
