Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sharply criticised what he believes is an intentional spread of misinformation designed to paint the state as insecure.
He reiterated that Rivers remains calm and fully welcoming for business activities, tourism, and major events.
Fubara made these remarks on Sunday night during the closing ceremony of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt.
This was disclosed in a statement released Monday morning by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
The governor’s reaction followed recent media reports alleging insecurity, including cult-related killings within the state.
It will be recalled that the State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, recently announced the arrest of ten members of a notorious cult group operating in the Doubu area of Port Harcourt and its surroundings.
According to Fubara, the impressive number of visitors attending from across Africa shows that the negative stories circulating in the media are exaggerated, politically influenced, and deliberately crafted.
“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.
“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,” Fubara said.
He insisted that certain detractors have “weaponised” the state’s challenges in order to manipulate public perception for their benefit.
While admitting that the earlier political crisis caused roughly six months of instability, he stressed that calm has since been restored, enabling security agencies to operate more efficiently.
The governor commended the joint security outfit for their “wonderful” performance since his administration fully resumed its duties.
He pointed out that visitors at the tournament moved around freely, interacted, and enjoyed themselves throughout their stay without any security concerns.
He added, “Let me thank everyone who has come into Rivers State to participate in this competition. 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.”
Fubara pledged ongoing government backing for the tournament, including the revival of the Governor’s Cup, and promised further support to enhance the club’s infrastructure.
He restated his administration’s commitment to promoting events capable of attracting both national and international audiences.
The governor encouraged participants to share their positive impressions when they return home, noting that Rivers State is actively working to restore and improve its public image.
“Our mission is simple. To change our story, protect our state, and remind everyone that Rivers State is ours and it is safe,” the governor said.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, said the peaceful environment inspired them to host the tournament in Rivers State, and its successful completion has confirmed that decision.
He thanked the Governor for attending and for offering motivating comments that assured ongoing state support for future tournaments.
Earlier, the chief celebrant of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition CIO 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship, Chief Ikenna Okafor, expressed his joy at having a sitting Governor visit the club during the event—a gesture he noted had not occurred in 15 years.
Okafor vowed to revive the Governor’s Cup and organise more championships to attract visitors and tourists annually, while requesting government support for the sport.
He added that the tournament drew participants from eight African countries and 36 golf clubs across Nigeria, reflecting its importance and the trust people have in Rivers State.
The ceremony featured prize presentations to winners, the cutting of Chief Ikenna Okafor’s birthday cake, and a celebratory toast to future tournaments.
