The Rivers State Government led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed claims that the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was removed from Government House.

A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Kuru Sirawoo, described the allegation as “misleading, irresponsible, and inflammatory.”

A report credited to one Bestman Innocent Amadi of the Rivers State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN had alleged that the governor disrespected President Tinubu by removing the portrait.

The allegation suggested that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” toward the President.

Reacting, Sirawoo clarified that the Rivers State Government has no policy, directive, or intention to disrespect the President or the Federal Government.

He emphasized that Governor Fubara currently maintains a “robust and collaborative relationship” with President Tinubu and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is delivering tangible benefits to the state.

“The insinuation that the Governor acted out of disrespect is unsupported by verifiable facts and should be discountenanced,” the statement added.

The Permanent Secretary further expressed disappointment that a supposed youth organization, expected to promote unity and peace, would resort to “incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims.”

He warned that such rhetoric could undermine stability at a time when Rivers State needs calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.