The Rivers State Government has dismissed as false and unfounded allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the state government said its attention was drawn to claims attributed to an alleged Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, which accused Governor Fubara of disrespecting the President.
The government categorically denied the allegation, stressing that it has no policy, directive or intention that undermines or disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the authority of the Federal Government.
According to the statement, the Rivers State Government and Governor Fubara currently enjoy a cordial and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is already yielding positive outcomes for the state and its residents.
The government described the insinuations of “ingratitude” and “disrespect” as misleading, irresponsible and inflammatory, noting that they were unsupported by verifiable facts and should be disregarded by the public.
It further expressed concern that a body purportedly established to promote youth unity and peace would engage in personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims capable of inflaming political tensions, particularly at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue and responsible leadership.
The Rivers State Government called on well-meaning citizens, especially the youth, to ignore and distance themselves from individuals spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.
“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.
Members of the public were also urged to be cautious of inflammatory statements and not to lend support to what the government described as the activities of “fifth columnists” seeking to sow division in the state.
The statement was signed by Dr Honour Kuru Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
