Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denounced what he described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation aimed at portraying the state as unsafe. He insisted that Rivers remains peaceful, stable, and fully open for business, tourism, and significant events.
Fubara gave the assurance on Sunday night during the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt. His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
The governor’s comments follow recent media reports highlighting insecurity and cult-related killings in the state. Last week, the State Police Command, through its spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, announced the arrest of ten members of a notorious cult group operating in the Doubu axis of Port Harcourt.
Fubara argued that the scale of participation at the golf championship—featuring visitors from across Africa—demonstrated that negative portrayals of Rivers State were politically motivated and detached from reality.
“I can tell you the truth: more than half of the things you read in the media are not true,” he said. “Worse things have happened in other states, but because they manage their media, people don’t read about them. But in our case, just to run us down and make us look like the devil with invisible horns, they say anything to portray us in a bad light.”
He accused unnamed political actors of “weaponising” the state’s challenges for personal gain. He noted that while earlier political tensions had caused about six months of disruption, peace had since been restored. This, he said, has enabled security agencies to work “wonderfully and effectively”.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Fubara highlighted that guests moved freely, socialised, and enjoyed the city without incident. Their experience, he said, was clear evidence of the state’s normalcy.
“Your presence signifies only one thing: that Rivers State is safe, contrary to what we hear and what is being circulated in the media,” he told participants.
The governor pledged continued support for the golf championship, including reviving the long-abandoned Governor’s Cup tournament and enhancing the club’s facilities to attract more visitors.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, also commended the peaceful atmosphere, which he said influenced the decision to host the tournament in Rivers State.
Chief Ikenna Okafor, celebrant of the championship, expressed delight at the governor’s attendance—the first by a sitting governor in 15 years—and vowed to continue hosting tournaments that attract regional and international participants.
Highlights of the event included prize presentations to winners, a birthday celebration for Chief Okafor, and a toast to future tournaments.
