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 made the comments on Sunday during a Night of Tributes organised by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The event took place at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
While acknowledging the widespread support he has received, Fubara said it was loyalty to those who had sacrificed for him that kept him engaged in political life.
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“If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” he said. “But many people, including the late Chief Clark, made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them.”
This marked his first public speech since President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on 18 March 2025.
Fubara warned that the solemn tribute should not be misconstrued as a political rally, particularly in light of some pointed remarks made earlier in the evening. He advised caution among attendees to avoid sending the wrong message.
“This is a tribute to Pa Clark. It’s not about Sim Fubara,” he said. “I came here not to make political statements, but to honour someone who meant a lot to me.”
The governor urged his supporters to avoid provocative rhetoric and to focus on peace and reconciliation, noting that actions inconsistent with his values could escalate tensions in the state.
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“I look better now. I have peace. My spirit left Government House a long time ago,” he added. “Leadership comes with responsibility, and sometimes that means knowing when not to fight every battle.”
Fubara’s comments were further echoed in a statement issued by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, urging supporters to demonstrate restraint and align with the governor’s peaceful stance.
