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”.