Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reasserted his authority as the state’s chief executive, vowing to ensure peace and stability.
Fubara spoke on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament in the state capital.
The governor said safeguarding lives and property remains his government’s primary focus and promised to keep faith with the people.
“What is important is that I am still the governor of Rivers State, and we will continue to do what we have promised the Rivers people,” he said.
Fubara commended the tournament organisers for completing the week-long event without security breaches, noting that the peaceful atmosphere demonstrates the state’s safety for locals, tourists, and business interests.
“I am happy that you had your tournament for one week, and the president of the Port Harcourt Polo Club told me there was no incident. It shows that we are working and that Rivers State is safe. That is the basic responsibility of government,” he stated.
The governor, however, regretted that political tensions have consistently disrupted the state during the annual polo competition for three consecutive years.
“It is really unfortunate that each time you are having your tournament, there is always one problem. In 2024, you came to me and made some promises, but that January was hell. In 2025, you didn’t bother to come to me. This 2026, which I thought would be the finest, just landed me a love letter,” he said.
Despite ongoing difficulties, Fubara assured that his administration would remain focused on its duties and continue backing those genuinely invested in advancing the state.
He announced plans to improve facilities at the Port Harcourt Polo Club, known for possessing one of Nigeria’s finest natural grass playing fields.
Fubara urged attendees, including international polo players, to appreciate the city’s calm environment and help dispel misleading perceptions by sharing accurate accounts of their experience.
The event drew notable guests including Argentina’s envoy to Nigeria, with participating teams from India and Argentina.
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