Rivers Govt Denies Fubara Removed Tinubu’s Portrait From Government House

The Rivers State Government has dismissed allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the removal of the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt, describing the claims as misleading and unfounded.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, said the attention of the state government was drawn to a publication attributed to a faction of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) claiming that the governor had disposed of the presidential portrait.

Sirawoo identified the purported author of the statement as one Bestman Innocent Amadi, and said the allegation lacked credible evidence.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the authority of the Federal Government,” the government said, emphasising that the allegation was “misleading, irresponsible, [and] inflammatory” and should be rejected.

The statement highlighted what it described as the “more robust and collaborative relationship” between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government under President Tinubu, asserting that both administrations are working together to deliver “positive impacts on the lives of the citizenry and the state.”

Sirawoo said it was regrettable that, in a period he said Rivers “required calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership,” a body expected to promote youth unity would resort to what he termed “personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims” that risked stirring division.

He urged well-meaning members of the public, particularly young people, to disregard such narratives and avoid amplifying divisive rhetoric.

“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,” the statement added, calling on citizens to be cautious of “fifth columnists” pursuing what it described as dubious agendas.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in the state, including disputes between the governor and sections of the state legislature.