Ogona Anita
The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from Government House, Rivers State.
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.
As a matter of fact, the State Government and the Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS currently enjoy a more robust and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda that is yielding positive impacts on the lives of the citizenry and the State.
Therefore, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and unsupported by verifiable facts and should be discountenanced.
It is also regrettable that a supposed body that is 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 when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.
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.
Signed
Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, mni
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Information and Communications
January 27, 2026
