Rivers is Safe for Business: Fubara Rejects Negative Media Narrative, Citing Foreign Visitors.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has strongly condemned what he termed a deliberate campaign of misinformation designed to depict the state as unsafe. Speaking at the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt on Sunday night, Fubara reaffirmed that Rivers State remains peaceful and fully open for business, tourism, and major events. The Governor’s statement was formally issued on Monday morning by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
Governor Fubara’s condemnation directly followed recent media reports detailing insecurity, including cases of cult-related killings in the state. Last week, the State Police Command, via spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, had confirmed busting a notorious cult group responsible for terrorising the Doubu axis of Port Harcourt and arresting ten suspects. The Governor leveraged the large turnout of visitors from across Africa at the event as “clear evidence” that the negative narratives circulating in the media are engineered, exaggerated, and politically motivated.
Governor Fubara fiercely criticized media coverage of Rivers State, asserting, “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.” He argued that the negative portrayal is a deliberate smear campaign: “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 further contended that certain “enemies of Rivers” have “weaponised” the state’s challenges to distort public perception for political advantage.
While acknowledging that earlier political tensions caused about six months of disruption, the Governor emphasised that peace has since returned, enabling security agencies to function effectively. He praised the “wonderful” performance of the joint security team since his administration resumed full activity.
Highlighting the normalcy witnessed by the participants, the Governor pointed out that visitors throughout the tournament moved freely, socialized, and enjoyed the city without experiencing any incident. He thanked the attendees, stating, “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 the government’s continued support for the golf competition, promising to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament and provide additional assistance to enhance the golf club’s facilities. He reaffirmed the state’s dedication to nurturing events that draw national and international participation. Urging participants to share their positive experiences upon returning home, the Governor declared that Rivers State is deliberately working to rebuild 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,” he asserted.
Supporting the Governor’s message, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated that the prevailing atmosphere of peace motivated the decision to hold the tournament in Rivers State, and its successful conclusion validated that choice. The GOC thanked the Governor for his attendance and for promising ongoing state support. Earlier, Chief Ikenna Okafor, the event’s chief celebrant, expressed his delight at having a sitting Governor visit the club during the competition, noting it was an unprecedented event in 15 years.
Chief Okafor pledged to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament and committed to hosting more championships annually, aiming to consistently draw visitors and tourists to the state. He sought government support for the game, highlighting the significance of the event, which attracted participants from eight African countries and players from 36 golf clubs across Nigeria. He noted this strong participation underscores the confidence visitors have in Rivers State. The event culminated with the presentation of prizes to the winners, the cutting of Chief Okafor’s birthday cake, and a toast celebrating better future tournaments.
