Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says the political crisis recorded in the state months ago caused a temporary disruption, noting that peace has now been fully restored.
Fubara spoke on Sunday at the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th edition of the Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesperson, quoted the governor in a statement as saying that “earlier political tensions caused about six months of disruption.”
He added that peace has since returned to the state, allowing security agencies to function more effectively.
Fubara also alleged that some enemies of Rivers had “weaponised” the state’s challenges in a bid to distort public perception for their own 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.”
The governor commended the joint security team for what he described as impressive coordination since normal operations resumed.
He said the free movement and relaxation enjoyed by guests during the tournament further disproved claims of insecurity in the state.
“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 sustained government assistance for the championship and promised to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament.
He said the administration would continue supporting events that attract national and international visitors.
The governor also urged participants to share their positive experiences when they return home, noting that the state is deliberately 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 Rivers encouraged the hosting of the tournament in the state.
Emekah added that the successful conclusion of the event confirmed that Rivers has regained its stability.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state following a protracted political crisis.
The president also suspended the governor, his deputy and lawmakers of the Rivers house of assembly “for an initial period of six months”.
