The Rivers State Government has dismissed as false and misleading allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Government House, Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an individual, Bestman Innocent Amadi, purportedly speaking for a Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). The statement described the allegation as unfounded and unsupported by facts.
According to Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo there is no policy, directive, or intention by the Rivers State Government or Governor Fubara to disrespect the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermine the authority of the Federal Government.
The government stressed that Rivers State currently enjoys a cordial and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government under President Tinubu, noting that this cooperation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and is already delivering positive outcomes for the state and its people.
It described insinuations that the governor acted out of ingratitude or disrespect as “misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and devoid of verifiable facts,” urging the public to disregard such claims.
The statement further expressed concern that a group expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated allegations capable of heightening political tension in the state.
Calling for calm and responsible engagement, the Rivers State Government urged members of the public, especially youths, to dissociate themselves from divisive rhetoric and falsehoods aimed at politicising sensitive issues.
“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and our collective desire for peace and progress,” the statement said.
The government also cautioned residents against giving attention to inflammatory statements by individuals it described as fifth columnists bent on causing division.
