Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has said that reports of insecurity in Rivers State were deliberately placed in the media to portray the state as unsafe and said the state remained peaceful for business, tourism and other activities.
The governor, who spoke at the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt, said the large turnout of visitors from across Africa showed that the state was safe.
“More than half of the things you read in the media are not true,” he said. “Worse things have happened in other states, but because they manage their media well, 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.”
The governor lamented that enemies of Rivers State were using the political challenges of the state to distort public perception for their own advantage.
He said the state had put behind it the issues that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state that disrupted governance for six months and is moving ahead.
He praised efforts of the joint security team, describing their performance as “wonderful” since his administration resumed full activity.
He said, “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.”
Governor Fubara pledged sustained government support for the competition, including the soon to be revived Governor’s Cup tournament, and promised additional assistance to enhance the golf club’s facilities. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to nurturing events that attract national and international participation.
He said Rivers State was working to reclaim and rebuild its public image. “Our mission is simple,” he said. “To change our story, protect our state, and remind everyone that Rivers State is ours and it is safe.”
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, said the prevailing atmosphere of peace motivated them to hold the tournament in Rivers State, and its successful conclusion has validated that decision.
The chief celebrant of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition CIO 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship, Chief Ikenna Okafor, expressed delight at having the governor visit the club premises during the competition, something, he said had not happened in 15 years.
He promised to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament, and ensure more championships were held to bring visitors and tourists to the state every year.
He disclosed that the tournament attracted participants from eight African countries and players from 36 golf clubs in Nigeria.
Highlights of the event included presentation of prizes to winners, cutting of birthday cake of Chief Ikenna Okafor and toast to better tournaments ahead.
