Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the 27th Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, has publicly refuted allegations that she disrupted the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday, 2nd May 2025.
Journalist101.com reported that on Friday, Rivers women hundreds of Rivers women walked out of an empowerment programme organised by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The protest erupted when Mrs. Theresa Ibas, the wife of the Sole Administrator, was invited to speak on behalf of the First Lady.
The atmosphere shifted noticeably when Mrs. Ibas’s name was announced, prompting chants from the audience: “We want Valerie Sim-Fubara or Remi Tinubu to address us, not the wife of an imposter! We want SIM!”
In a statement released on Friday, Dr. Oreh described the claims that she sponsored the action as “entirely unfounded” and a “mischievous attempt” to damage her reputation.
“The allegations levelled against me are a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs,” Dr. Oreh asserted.
She challenged a social media account known as the Rivers State PDP Promoters – “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” to provide credible evidence to support their claims. “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas,” she stated.
Dr. Oreh emphasised her commitment to the progress of Rivers State, declaring, “I have neither sponsored nor will I sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday 18th March 2025.” She confirmed that during her suspension from office, she has been dedicated to her doctoral studies and other endeavours.
In her statement, Dr. Oreh called for a culture of truth and integrity in public discourse. “Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement,” she noted. She urged all stakeholders to focus on unity and solution-driven dialogue to foster a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth and transparency.
Dr. Oreh concluded her statement with a call for collective effort in building the state: “Let us work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State.”
