Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pushed back forcefully against what he calls a deliberate smear campaign painting the state as unsafe.
Speaking Sunday evening at the closing ceremony of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Chief Ikenna Okafor Pro-Am Championship in Port Harcourt, he insisted Rivers remains peaceful and open for business, tourism, and major events.
In a statement released Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara described recent media reports of cult killings and insecurity as exaggerated and politically driven.
He dismissed more than half of the negative coverage as falsehoods manufactured to damage the state’s reputation.
He argued that opponents have “weaponised” isolated challenges to distort public perception. Though he admitted that earlier political tensions disrupted life for about six months, Fubara said peace has largely returned, allowing security forces to operate effectively.
The large number of visitors from across Africa at the golf tournament, he noted, was proof that Rivers State is safe. Guests reportedly moved around freely, socialised, and enjoyed the city without incident.
Fubara praised the joint security team’s performance, calling it “wonderful,” and pledged continued government support for sporting events, including a revived Governor’s Cup tournament.
He promised further investment to bolster the facilities of the Python Golf Club.
He urged visiting players and dignitaries to share their positive experiences when they return home, stressing that his administration is working hard to rebuild the state’s image.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, said the peaceful atmosphere was a major reason they backed the tournament in the first place.
He thanked the governor for his presence and inspiring remarks.
Chief Ikenna Okafor, the tournament’s patron, expressed gratitude that Governor Fubara attended — something that hasn’t happened in 15 years.
He promised to revive the Governor’s Cup and boost the state’s appeal by hosting more international-level championships.
The 2025 competition drew players from eight African countries and 36 golf clubs across Nigeria.
The event concluded with prize presentations, a birthday cake cutting for Chief Okafor, and a toast to the future of golf in Rivers State.
Recall that the state had previously been placed under a six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu at the height of the political unrest, a period marked by sharp tensions and security concerns before calm gradually returned.