Fubara Did Not Remove Tinubu’s Portrait – Rivers Govt

The Rivers State Government has debunked claims by the state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) alleging that Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the removal of President Bola Tinubu’s official portrait from the Government House.

In a statement on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, described the allegation as baseless, inflammatory and misleading.

“The government has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects President Tinubu or the authority of the Federal Government,” Sirawoo said.

Sirawoo reaffirmed that Governor Fubara enjoys a collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, particularly with President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said was already delivering tangible results for Rivers residents.

“As a matter of fact, the State Government and the Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoy a more robust and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

The Permanent Secretary also condemned insinuations that the alleged action amounted to “disrespect” or “ingratitude”, stating that such remarks lacked any factual basis.

“The insinuation that the governor acted out of ingratitude or disrespect is misleading, irresponsible, and unsupported by verifiable facts. It should be discountenanced,” Sirawoo stressed.

He expressed disappointment over the conduct of the youth council, accusing it of abandoning its unifying role by resorting to personal attacks and incendiary rhetoric at a time the state needs calm and responsible engagement.

Sirawoo said, “The Rivers State Government, therefore, calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly our esteemed and hardworking Youths to disregard and dissociate themselves from elements that are bent on driving divisive rhetoric and falsehood in politicising matters.

“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective desire for peace and progress.

“Members of the public are urged to be wary of inflammatory statements and not give vent to those fifth columnists in their dubious agenda to cause division.”