Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed what he described as exaggerated and politically driven reports portraying the state as unsafe, insisting that Rivers remains peaceful and open for economic and social activities.
Fubara spoke on Sunday night at 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 morning by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
The governor said the steady flow of visitors into the state and the large turnout at the golf tournament were proof that the negative stories circulating in some media spaces were “engineered narratives” aimed at distorting public perception.
“I can tell you the truth, more than half of the things you read in the media are not true.”
“Worse things have happened in other states, but because they manage their media, people don’t read about them. 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 said.
His reaction followed recent reports linking the state to cult related killings and insecurity. Last week, the State Police Command said it arrested ten suspects after busting a notorious cult group terrorising the Doubu axis of Port Harcourt.
Fubara noted that although earlier political tensions caused disruptions for about six months, the state has since regained its calm, allowing security agencies to operate effectively.
He praised the coordinated efforts of the joint security team, describing their performance as “wonderful” since his administration resumed full activity.
The governor pointed to the free movement and relaxation enjoyed by guests at the tournament as clear evidence that the state is stable. “Your presence signifies 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 told the visitors.
Fubara pledged continued government support for the competition, including the return of the Governor’s Cup tournament, and promised more assistance to improve the golf club’s facilities.
He urged participants to share their positive experiences when they return to their various states and countries. “Our mission is simple. To change our story, protect our state and remind everyone that Rivers State is ours and it is safe,” he said.
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, said the prevailing peace encouraged them to hold the tournament in Rivers State, adding that its successful conclusion proved that the state was safe for major events.
Also speaking, Chief Ikenna Okafor expressed joy that a sitting governor visited the club during the competition, something he said had not happened in 15 years.
He said the tournament attracted participants from eight African countries and players from 36 golf clubs across Nigeria, which shows the confidence they have in the state.
The event featured prize presentations to winners, the cutting of Chief Okafor’s birthday cake and a toast to better tournaments in the coming years.
