Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly reasserted his authority as the state’s leader, pledging to prioritise peace, security, and public safety while rejecting any action capable of destabilising the coastal state.
Speaking on Saturday as a special guest at the grand finale of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament, Governor Fubara stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost duty of his administration.
“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.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the successful, incident-free completion of the week-long tournament, describing it as clear evidence that Rivers State is safe for residents, visitors, and investors alike.
“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,” Fubara added.
However, the governor lamented the persistent political tensions that have coincided with the annual polo event over the past three years, describing the trend as regrettable.
“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 the challenges, Fubara assured residents that his administration remains focused on governance and will continue to support individuals and organisations genuinely committed to the state’s progress.
He also pledged that the Rivers State Government would work towards upgrading the Port Harcourt Polo Club, widely regarded as having one of Nigeria’s finest natural grass polo pitches.
The governor urged guests and players, including foreign participants, to enjoy Port Harcourt’s calm environment and help counter negative narratives about the state by sharing accurate and positive experiences.
The final match attracted high-profile dignitaries, including the Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria, alongside polo players from across the country. Teams from India and Argentina also featured in the international week-long tournament.
