The suspended Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has refuted claims linking her to the disruption of the Renewed Hops Initiative empowerment programme hosted in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Rivers State.

During the event on Friday, some women staged a walkout on the wife of the Sole Administrator of the state, Theresa Ibas, who was representing the First Lady.

The women demanded to be addressed either by Senator Tinubu herself or by Mrs. Valerie Fubara, wife of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

Responding to allegations made by a group she identified as the Concerned Rivers Youth Organization, Dr. Oreh described the claims as entirely baseless and a fabrication intended to malign her reputation.

She said those allegations were a product of the “sick imagination of rumour peddlers and conflict entrepreneurs whose sole aim is to tarnish my image and sow discord.”

Dr. Oreh challenged the group to present credible evidence to support their accusations.

She further clarified that she has neither sponsored nor supported any efforts to embarrass or disrupt the activities of the federally appointed administration overseeing the state’s affairs, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Doctor Oreh added that during her suspension, she has focused on personal endeavours, including her ongoing doctoral studies.

She said, “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.

“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday 18th March 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.”

Reaffirming her dedication to the development of Rivers State, Dr. Oreh called for unity and urged stakeholders to engage in constructive, solution-oriented dialogue for the collective good of the state

She added, “Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.

“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.

“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our state, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort.”