Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is not desperate to return to office, stating that his spirit “left the Government House long ago.”
Fubara, who has maintained a reserved public stance since his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, made the revelation on Sunday at a Night of Tributes in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
The solemn event, organised by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, was held at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt.
In an emotionally charged speech, Fubara said he only remains committed to the cause because of the sacrifices made by people like the late Chief Clark and countless others who stood by him.
“If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” Fubara admitted. “But many people, including Pa Clark, have made sacrifices for me. That is why I must stand by them.”
While urging decorum, Fubara warned against interpreting the tribute event as a political rally. He expressed concern over some of the comments made by earlier speakers, which he feared could be misrepresented as attacks on his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or President Tinubu.
“This programme is a tribute to Pa Clark. It is not about Sim Fubara,” he emphasised. “Even though I respect the bishop’s message, today is not the time for political declarations. Otherwise, people will say I gathered my supporters to attack the minister or the President.”
The embattled governor underscored that the occasion was meant to honour a statesman who stood for peace, justice, and unity in the Niger Delta and Nigeria. He stressed that his presence was his way of paying last respects to a man who inspired loyalty and purpose.
Speaking with candour, Fubara added, “Do you think I’m even interested in going back? Just look at me—I look better now. I have peace. If I had my way, I wouldn’t go back there.”
He urged his supporters to exercise restraint and not to “shoot blindly,” emphasising the need for strategic calm in the face of provocation. “Not every battle is worth fighting,” he said.
Apostle Zilly Aggrey, who delivered the homily, called for wisdom and reconciliation among political actors in the state. Citing biblical scriptures, he noted that the political impasse in Rivers could only be resolved through unity, forgiveness, and dialogue.
Aggrey acknowledged the role played by Nyesom Wike in Fubara’s emergence as governor and encouraged him to lead efforts toward reconciliation. He also commended President Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis but urged more proactive steps to safeguard democratic stability in the state.
Meanwhile, in a statement by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara reiterated his commitment to peace and lawful leadership. He cautioned supporters against inflammatory remarks and advised them to mirror his own approach—marked by patience, clarity, and constitutional fidelity.
The governor said the legacy of Chief Clark should serve as a moral compass for current leaders, especially in a period when national unity and institutional respect remain under threat.
