Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condemned what he described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation aimed at portraying the state as unsafe.
Fubara made the remarks on Sunday night during the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt. The statement was released Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
The governor reaffirmed that Rivers State remains peaceful and fully open for business, tourism, and major events, dismissing recent media reports on cult-related killings and insecurity in the state as exaggerated.
He pointed to last week’s announcement by the State Police Command, which reported the arrest of ten suspects from a notorious cult group terrorising the Doubu axis of Port Harcourt.
“The large turnout of visitors from across Africa shows that these negative narratives are engineered and politically motivated,” Fubara said. “More than half of what you read in the media is not true.”
Fubara argued that some opponents have “weaponised” the state’s challenges to distort public perception for political gain, while acknowledging that earlier political tensions caused about six months of disruption. He added that peace has since returned, allowing security agencies to operate effectively.
Highlighting the tournament, the governor said visitors moved freely, socialised, and enjoyed the city without incident. “Your presence signifies that Rivers State is safe, contrary to what we hear and read,” he stated.
Fubara pledged continued government support for the Python Golf Club and promised assistance to enhance its facilities, including the revival of the Governor’s Cup tournament. He urged participants to share positive experiences to help rebuild the state’s public image.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, said the prevailing peace in the state motivated holding the tournament in Rivers and praised the governor’s support for future events.
Chief Ikenna Okafor, the event’s chief celebrant, expressed delight at the governor’s attendance, noting it was the first in 15 years, and promised to revive the Governor’s Cup while attracting participants from across Africa and Nigeria. The event concluded with prize presentations, a birthday cake cutting, and a toast to future tournaments.