January 28, (THEWILL) — The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed that it enjoys a robust and collaborative relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, warning against inflammatory claims over allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the President’s portrait from the Government House.
The remarks followed alleged inflammatory claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, which alleged that Fubara removed the President’s portrait from the Government House
A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Kuru Sirawoo, described the allegation as false, misleading and unsupported by facts.
“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 statement said.
It added that Governor Fubara and the state government currently enjoy a more robust and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is yielding positive impacts on the lives of citizens and the development of the state.
The government described insinuations that the governor acted out of ingratitude or disrespect as “misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory and unsupported by verifiable facts”, urging the public to discountenance them.
It also expressed concern that a body expected to promote youth unity and peace would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims capable of heating up the polity at a time Rivers State requires calm, dialogue and responsible leadership.
The Rivers State Government called on well-meaning citizens, particularly youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from divisive rhetoric and falsehood aimed at politicising sensitive issues.
“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.
The members of the public were urged to remain wary of inflammatory statements and not give room to what the government described as fifth columnists seeking to cause division.
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