The Rivers State Government has debunked rumours making the rounds that Grammy Award winner, Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy has placed demands for his homecoming event scheduled to be hosted by the Government.
A statement issued by the state’s Ministry of Culture described the claim which emanated during a programme of a local radio station, Love FM, as malicious with intents to insult the personalities of both the State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the commissioner, Tonye Oniyide.
The ministry in the statement signed by its permanent secretary, Monday Yiimonah, said the “content of the presentation was unprofessional, barbaric, defamatory and a calculated attempt to injure the towering reputations of the Governor and this administration.
“Love FM and it’s cohorts alluding to the State not congratulating Mr. Damini Ogulu, popularly called Burna Boy on his recent Grammy Award, was too hasty especially when the Hon Commissioner has just obtained approval from the Governor and has placed State congratulatory messages in the media as well as plan for ‘Home Coming’ ceremony to honour the award winner.
“It is unfortunate and most unprofessional that Love FM and their presenters did not cross-check their facts to confirm that His Excellency has given the approval to celebrate the award winner, in addition to implementing many legacy projects to develop the culture and tourism sector in the State, before going to press.
“We demand expeditiously, unreserved written and viral media apologies from the Management of Love FM for failing to manage the content of the said programme, and for the deliberate and calculated defamation and insults caused the State.
“We hope to see visible action taken by the Management of Love F.M. against its staff involved in the media attack on the State, as a sign of remorse for their action, while we contemplate on a further appropriate response”.
The ministry, however, noted that no amount of media attack will deter the Governor from the development strides he has taken to revive
the Culture and Tourism sector in the State.
It added that the Commissioner has a track record of award-winning projects which are eloquent testimonies of her commitment and
pragmatic leadership in promoting arts, culture and tourism in Rivers State.
