… cautions supporters against attacking Wike, Tinubu
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he is not desperate to return to office, disclosing that his “spirit left the Government House long ago.”
But he acknowledged the immense support he had received from many people and stressed the importance of standing by those who have made sacrifices for him.
Fubara spoke 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 at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The suspended Governor warned that the solemn occasion should not be misinterpreted, especially in light of some politically charged comments made by earlier speakers and clergy.
This was the first time Fubara would be speaking publicly since President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office and declared a state of emergency in the state 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,” he noted.
Fubara in his reaction to comments made by some speakers, expressed concern that the event might be misrepresented as a political rally targeting his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu, warning speakers to exercise restraint.
He said, “This is my first time speaking publicly since the events of March 18,” he said. “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.
“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 warned that the event should remain focused on paying tribute to the late Pa Clark rather than veering into politics.
He added, “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.
“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.”
He stressed that not every battle is worth fighting, urging the public to find out whether he truly desires to return to power.
“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 said, reiterating that the event was to honour Pa Clark
He urged participants to reflect on the late statesman’s legacy of peace, justice, and selfless service.
Meanwhile, by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, the suspended Governor urged his supporters to refrain from confrontational rhetoric and to follow his example of strategic restraint and peacebuilding.
Fubara declared that the remarks and actions of some of his supporters as inconsistent with his own values, warning they could further inflame tensions in the state.
Fubara wondered whether his supporters truly consider whether their approach leads to peace and reconciliation, warning against acts that could worsen the already delicate situation.
As a leader, he said, he remained conscious of the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and is committed to acting within the law to restore stability and move Rivers State forward.
He also stated that he now enjoys peace of mind and better health, urging everyone to draw inspiration from the late Chief Clark’s life, particularly his dedication to unity, justice, and peace in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
During his homily, Apostle Zilly Aggrey quoted James 4:13–16, Hebrews 12:14–15, and Matthew 7:12, stressing the need for wisdom and reconciliation among political actors.
Apostle Aggrey urged all parties involved in the crisis to make peace, emphasising that only a united people can overcome adversity.
He thanked former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in Fubara’s emergence as governor and encouraged him to champion reconciliation for the good of the state.
Aggrey also commended PresidentTinubu for his efforts in managing the political crisis and appealed for more proactive measures to restore democratic stability in Rivers State.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included former governor and Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus George; former deputy governor, Sir Gabriel Toby; Senator Benneth Birabi; Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime; Prof. Steve Azaiki; Ms. Ann Kio Briggs; Bishop Elkanah Hanson; Senator Andrew Uchendu; Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe; Prof. Roseline Konya; and Senator John Azuta Mbata.
Those in company with Governor Fubara included Senator John Azuta Mbata, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, Chief Hanny Woko, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Dr. Edison Ehie, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.
Other dignitaries who attended the occasion are Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Chikodi Dike.
