Suspended Rivers Commissioner Denies Involvement in First Lady’s Programme Disruption
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In the midst of ongoing political tension in Rivers State, the recently suspended Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged disruption of a programme attended by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Mr. Johnson, who was suspended by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday, issued a statement debunking claims that he led a group to interfere with the First Lady’s event in the state capital. The programme in question took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme, a flagship initiative of Mrs. Tinubu.
“I have nothing to do with the said disruption. It is a concocted lie designed to malign my person and justify an unlawful political move,” Johnson said, describing the accusations as a smear campaign orchestrated by his political rivals.
Governor Fubara had earlier announced Johnson’s suspension, citing “acts of sabotage and gross misconduct,” although official details were sparse at the time. Unconfirmed reports suggested that Johnson was linked to an incident where certain individuals allegedly attempted to hijack the event or manipulate attendance for political gain.
In his defense, Johnson emphasized that he has always shown the highest level of respect to both President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady. He added that the allegations are baseless and part of an internal rift within the Rivers State political structure, which has seen increasing friction between the camps of Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Dragging my name into a fabricated incident involving the First Lady is a new low in Rivers State politics,” he stated. “I would never engage in anything that would undermine such a highly respected national figure or her humanitarian programme.”
Political observers say Johnson’s suspension is yet another sign of the growing power struggle in the state, with implications for the national ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is striving to maintain cohesion amidst increasing factionalism in key states.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has remained tight-lipped on further details of Johnson’s alleged misconduct, raising further questions about the transparency of the disciplinary action.
As the political drama unfolds, many stakeholders are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the truth behind the claims and counterclaims. Civil society groups have also urged the state government to ensure that governance is not derailed by personal vendettas or factional interests.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has not commented publicly on the controversy, and her office has not confirmed any disruption to her programme in Port Harcourt.
This incident adds another layer to the increasingly complex political environment in Rivers State, where shifting alliances and public accusations continue to dominate headlines.
Source : Swifteradio.com
