I Don’t Wish To Continue As Rivers Governor, My Spirit Has Already Left There – Fubara

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he’s no longer eager to return to office, admitting that he mentally checked out of the Government House a long time ago.

Fubara spoke on Sunday during a Night of Tributes organized by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in memory of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt.

The suspended governor said while he personally would prefer not to go back, he feels obligated to stand by those who have supported him, especially people who made sacrifices on his behalf.

Fubara used the opportunity to caution against turning the solemn gathering into a political event.

He expressed concern that some earlier remarks from speakers and clergy might be seen as targeting his political rivals, particularly his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, or President Bola Tinubu.

This was Fubara’s first public statement since he was suspended from office and a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

“If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” Fubara said. “But many people, including the late Chief Clark, have made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them.”

“This is my first time speaking publicly since the events of March 18. I’ve attended several gatherings, but I’ve been careful with my words. When the mood of an event doesn’t align with my beliefs, I feel uncomfortable—because many of you don’t truly understand the situation.”

He admitted he feels more at peace now than he did while in office.

 “It’s not about shouting ‘Oshobe, Oshobe.’ At a point, that doesn’t solve anything. I had to be here because Pa Clark was special to me. My presence today is the most significant contribution I can make to honour him.”

Fubara emphasized that not every fight is worth engaging in and urged his supporters to reflect on whether their actions truly promote peace.

“This programme is a tribute to Pa Clark. It’s not about Sim Fubara,” he stressed. “Even though I respect the message from the bishop, today is not the time for political declarations. Otherwise, people will leave here saying Fubara gathered his supporters to attack the minister or the President. That’s not my mission.”

He 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. My spirit left Government House long ago.”

“Inasmuch as we must stand with those who made sacrifices for us, that doesn’t mean we should start shooting blindly. Let us stay focused,” he advised.

He also paid tribute to the legacy of Chief Clark, describing him as a symbol of justice, peace, and unity in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

In a statement released separately by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara advised his supporters to avoid aggressive language and instead follow his example by promoting peace and acting with restraint.

He warned that some supporters’ behavior could worsen tensions in the state and urged everyone to think about the consequences of their actions.

Fubara said he’s committed to restoring calm in Rivers State through legal and responsible means.

He added that Chief Clark’s life should serve as a reminder to pursue justice and unity over conflict and division.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu is recently said to have met with Siminalayi Fubara iin London last week.