Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a strong rebuttal against a persistent campaign of misinformation that seeks to label the state as unsafe. He has firmly reaffirmed that Rivers State is entirely peaceful and fully operational for business, tourism, and the hosting of major events.
Governor Condemns Media Misinformation at Golf Championship
The Governor made these declarations on Sunday night, November 18, 2025, during the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship held in Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara pointed to the significant turnout of visitors from across the African continent as undeniable proof that the negative media narratives are engineered, exaggerated, and driven by political motives.
"I can tell you the truth: more than half of the things you read in the media are not true," he stated. He argued that while worse incidents occur in other states, effective media management prevents them from being publicized. In contrast, he said, certain elements deliberately spread falsehoods about Rivers State to tarnish its image, making it look "like the devil with invisible horns."
Security and Normalcy Restored in Rivers
Governor Fubara acknowledged that political tensions had previously caused about six months of disruption. However, he emphasized that peace has been successfully restored, enabling security agencies to perform their duties more effectively. He praised the coordinated efforts of the joint security team, describing their performance since his administration resumed full activity as "wonderful."
Highlighting the normalcy experienced during the golf tournament, the Governor noted that visitors moved around Port Harcourt freely, socialized, and enjoyed the city's offerings without a single security incident. "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 participants.
In a supporting statement, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, confirmed that the prevailing atmosphere of peace was the primary reason for choosing Rivers State to host the tournament. He expressed his appreciation to Governor Fubara for his attendance and for his commitment to continued state support for future editions of the event.
