SSuspended Rivers State’s Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said he was not desperate to return to office, and that actions taken by some of his supporters, although well-intended, had only worsened his situation.
The Governor, currently on suspension from office after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a State of emergency in crisis-brewing Rivers made the remarks at the service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark.
The event was held at the Royal House of Grace Church, Port Harcourt, the state capital, and it was organised by the Rivers Elders Forum on Sunday.
It would be his first public speech since the President out Rivers in a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025.
The embattled Governor responded to several speakers at the event who referred to him as “Governor” and strongly criticised his suspension, calling for an immediate reversal by the President.
However, Fubara distanced himself from their remarks, describing them as personal opinions.
According to him, such comments were not likely to promote peace.
“Not everything is by oshobe (force),” he cautioned.
“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” he said.
Fubara, however, acknowledged the immense support he had received from many people and emphasised the importance of standing by those who have made sacrifices for him.
The event took place in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Fubara warned that the solemn occasion should not be misinterpreted, especially in light of some politically charged comments made by earlier speakers and clergy, targeting his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu.
He said: “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.
Fubara continued, “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 emphasised that not every battle is worth fighting and urged the public to ask 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 advised.
In a statement released later by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara counselled supporters to refrain from confrontational rhetoric and to follow his example of strategic restraint and peacebuilding.
He noted that some remarks and actions by supporters were inconsistent with his own values and could further inflame tensions in the state.
Fubara said he often wonders whether his supporters truly consider whether their approach promoted peace and reconciliation.
He warned 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 enjoyed peace of mind and better health and called on all 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.
Delivering his sermon, 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 President Tinubu 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.
Accompanying Governor Fubara were Senator John Azuta Mbata, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, Chief Hanny Woko, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Dr. Edison Ehie, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.
The occasion also drew the attendance of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Chikodi Dike, and other dignitaries.
