The Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied claims that the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been removed from Government House.
In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Kuru Sirawoo, the allegation was described as “misleading, irresponsible, and inflammatory.”
The claim was made by Bestman Innocent Amadi of the Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, who alleged that Governor Fubara disrespected President Tinubu by removing the portrait. The report also suggested that the action was taken out of “ingratitude” to the President.
Reacting to the allegation, Sirawoo said the Rivers State Government has no policy, directive, or intention to disrespect President Tinubu or the Federal Government.
He stated that Governor Fubara maintains a “robust and collaborative relationship” with President Tinubu and fully supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is delivering clear benefits to Rivers State.
“The insinuation that the Governor acted out of disrespect is unsupported by verifiable facts and should be discountenanced,” the statement said.
Sirawoo also expressed disappointment that a youth organisation, which should promote peace and unity, would resort to “incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims.”
He warned that such statements could undermine stability at a time when Rivers State needs calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.
