Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has condemned what he called a planned campaign of false information intended to depict the state as dangerous, maintaining that Rivers is still safe, peaceful, and available for large events, business, and tourism.
Speaking on Sunday night at the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship grand finale in Port Harcourt, the governor claimed that the attendance of guests from all over Africa was evidence that the unfavorable reports were politically motivated and purposefully inflated.
“I can tell you the truth: more than half of the things you read in the media are not true,” stated Fubara. There have been worse incidents in other states, but people don’t learn about them since they control their media. However, they say anything to paint us in a negative light in order to denigrate us and make us appear like the devil with phantom horns.
In a statement released by Nelson Chukwudi, his chief press secretary, the governor accused political critics of “weaponizing” the state’s previous difficulties and swaying public opinion for their own gain.
He highlighted that calm has since returned and security agencies are now operating at their best, even if he recognized that Rivers had political tensions earlier in his administration, which caused around six months of disturbance.
After order was restored, he commended the state’s unified security operations, calling their work “wonderful.”
Governor Fubara pointed out that the story of insecurity was refuted by the guests’ seamless, incident-free tournament experience.
He informed the attendees, “Your presence means only one thing: that Rivers State is safe, contrary to what we hear, what we read, and how our state is being presented in the media.”
He expressed gratitude to the golfers and their fans, saying that their involvement confirmed Rivers’ reputation as a welcoming and safe travel destination.
The governor promised to reinstate the long-dormant Governor’s Cup and declared that the government will once again support the Pro-Amateur competition. Additionally, he pledged to provide more funding to improve the golf club’s amenities.
He emphasized that Rivers State is actively regaining its reputation and encouraged golfers to share their good experiences when they get back home.
He declared, “Our mission is simple: to change our story, protect our state, and remind everyone that Rivers State is ours and it is safe.”
Army Verifies Calm Environment
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated that the tournament could be held in Port Harcourt due to the state’s current condition of peace.
He praised the Governor for visiting and offering encouraging support, saying that the championship’s successful finish supported the decision.
Chief Ikenna Okafor, the championship’s chief celebrant, had earlier expressed happiness at having a serving governor for the first time in fifteen years.
In order to draw tourists and golf fans to Rivers, he announced plans to bring back the Governor’s Cup and host other competitions.
He disclosed that golfers from 36 clubs throughout Nigeria and participants from eight African nations attended this year’s event, demonstrating trust in the security and friendliness of the state.
A toast to upcoming competitions, prize presentations, and the cutting of Chief Okafor’s birthday cake were all part of the celebration.
