Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says the political crisis that rocked the state months ago caused a temporary setback but insists peace has now been fully restored.
Gatekeepers News reports that Fubara spoke on Sunday at the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said the earlier tensions “caused about six months of disruption,” but noted that normalcy has since returned, enabling security agencies to operate optimally again.
Fubara accused “enemies of Rivers” of weaponising the state’s challenges to distort public perception.
“I can tell you the truth: 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, 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 praised the joint security team for what he described as impressive coordination since stability returned. He added that the ease of movement and relaxation experienced by guests during the tournament further disproved claims of insecurity.
“Let me thank everyone who has come into Rivers State to participate in this competition,” he said.
“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.”
Fubara pledged continued government support for the championship and promised to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament. He said his administration would keep backing activities that draw both national and international visitors.
He urged participants to share their positive impressions when they leave, saying the state is intentionally working to rebuild its 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.”
Emmanuel Emekah, general officer commanding the 6th division of the Nigerian Army, said the prevailing calm in the state made it possible to host the tournament. He added that the successful event confirms that Rivers has regained its stability.
