Rivers State is Safe: Gov Fubara Reaffirms Peace as Visitors Enjoy Hassle-Free Championship

Rivers State is Safe: Gov Fubara Reaffirms Peace as Visitors Enjoy Hassle-Free Championship

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed that Rivers State is safe, peaceful, and fully open for business as he countered politically motivated negative media narratives during the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition CIO 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt. He said visitors’ free, incident-free movement proves the state’s stability, praising security agencies for restoring calm after past tensions. The Governor pledged continued support for major sporting events, including reviving the Governor’s Cup, as stakeholders commended the state’s improving security atmosphere and growing global confidence.

Rivers State Safety Reinforced as Governor Fubara Counters Negative Narratives

Rivers State is Safe was the central message delivered by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday night as he strongly rejected what he described as a coordinated effort by certain interests to portray Rivers 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, he insisted that the state remains peaceful, secure, and fully welcoming to investors, tourists, and major event organisers.

The Governor said the impressive turnout of guests from across the African continent clearly contradicted the negative content circulating online and in sections of the media. According to him, some actors had “weaponised” challenges to distort public perception for political advantage.

“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.”

Governor Fubara explained that Rivers State is safe although earlier political tensions triggered months of disruption, the situation had long been resolved, creating a stable environment for residents and visitors. He praised the joint security team for their “wonderful” performance since full government activity resumed, noting that their seamless coordination had strengthened daily operations across the state.

He pointed to the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by guests during the tournament as real-time evidence of Rivers State Safety, stressing that participants moved freely, interacted widely, and explored the city without incident.

“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.”

He pledged continued government support for the championship, including the revival of the Governor’s Cup, and promised improved facilities for the club. He said Rivers State was committed to hosting events that enhance its profile and attract global participation.

The Governor urged golfers and visitors to share their positive experience with others across Africa, emphasizing that Rivers State is safe and that the state was deliberately working to repair and 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.”

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, echoed this sentiment, noting that the existing peaceful atmosphere informed their decision to hold the tournament in Port Harcourt. He said the successful hosting of the event validated their confidence.

Chief Ikenna Okafor, chief celebrant of the 6th Edition CIO 2025 Championship, expressed delight at having a sitting Governor visit the golf club for the first time in 15 years. He reaffirmed his commitment to revive the Governor’s Cup and attract more international championships to Rivers State. The tournament drew players from eight African countries and 36 Nigerian golf clubs, underscoring the confidence sporting communities have in Rivers State Safety.

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