Port Harcourt
Suspended Rivers State Governor, 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 revelation on Sunday during a Night of Tributes held in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The event, organised by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, took place at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt.
“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 marked his first public address since his suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, when a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State amid escalating political tensions.
Fubara urged attendees not to misconstrue the solemn gathering as a political event, cautioning against inflammatory rhetoric. “This is my first time speaking publicly since the events of March 18,” he noted. “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.”
He warned that politicising the tribute could invite misinterpretation. “This programme is a tribute to Pa Clark. It’s not about Sim Fubara. If we make today political, they will say I gathered supporters to attack the minister or the President. That’s not my mission.”
Expressing contentment with his current state, Fubara said, “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 added, “Not every battle is worth fighting. Ask yourself: does Sim really want to return to power? Let’s stay focused.”
In a statement released by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor called on his supporters to avoid confrontational actions and instead emulate his approach of strategic restraint and peacebuilding.
Fubara said some recent comments made by his allies were not aligned with his values and could worsen the already fragile political atmosphere in the state. “I often wonder if people truly consider whether their approach is fostering peace and reconciliation,” he noted.
He reiterated his commitment to acting within the law and pledged to restore stability in Rivers State. “As a leader, I am conscious of the weight of responsibility on my shoulders,” he said, adding that he now enjoys better health and peace of mind.
Fubara also urged attendees to draw inspiration from Chief Clark’s life and legacy, particularly his commitment to justice, unity, and peace across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
Delivering the homily, Apostle Zilly Aggrey referenced James 4:13–16, Hebrews 12:14–15, and Matthew 7:12, calling for reconciliation among political actors. He stressed that only a united people could overcome the crisis.
Apostle Aggrey acknowledged the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Fubara’s political rise and appealed for reconciliation. He also commended President Tinubu for his efforts in managing the crisis and called for further steps to stabilise governance in Rivers State.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute to the late Pa Clark included former Governor and Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus George; former Deputy Governor Sir Gabriel Toby; Senator Benneth Birabi; Professor Atuboyedia Obianime; Professor Steve Azaiki; activist Ms Ann Kio Briggs; Bishop Elkanah Hanson; Senator Andrew Uchendu; Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe; Professor Roseline Konya; and Senator John Azuta Mbata.
Governor Fubara was accompanied to the event by notable figures including Senator John Azuta Mbata, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, Chief Hanny Woko, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Dr Edison Ehie, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.