Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said he is not desperate to return to office, following his suspension amid ongoing political turbulence in the state.
Speaking on Sunday at a service of songs in honour of late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, organised by the Rivers Elders Forum in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed emotional detachment from his office.
“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” the embattled governor stated in response to remarks from speakers who continued to refer to him as “Governor” and demanded his reinstatement.
While acknowledging the outpouring of support, Fubara distanced himself from inflammatory rhetoric, describing such comments as personal opinions that may worsen tensions rather than foster peace.
“Not everything is by ‘oshogbe’,” he added, a reference to using forceful or confrontational tactics, emphasizing instead the need for a calm, strategic response to the unfolding crisis.
Fubara also cautioned some of his supporters, noting that their actions—though well-meaning—have exacerbated his predicament.
“Some of the steps taken on my behalf have only made things worse,” he said, urging the gathering to honour Edwin Clark’s legacy of selfless service and avoid politicizing the solemn occasion.
Rivers State has been engulfed in political unrest, largely stemming from a deepening rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened in December 2023 to broker peace, but tensions escalated further. On March 18, 2025, the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the state’s entire House of Assembly.
In a controversial move, Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator of the state, effectively dissolving the existing democratic structure and placing Rivers under federal control.
The action drew sharp criticism from several quarters. Eleven governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approached the Supreme Court, seeking to challenge the legality of the President’s decision.
However, the National Assembly filed a counterclaim urging the court to dismiss the suit, labeling it frivolous and lacking in merit. They also requested ₦1 billion in damages from the PDP governors for what they called a waste of judicial resources.
As Rivers continues to navigate its political crisis, Fubara’s latest remarks suggest a shift in tone—one that may prioritize diplomacy and introspection over confrontation. Whether his statement marks the beginning of a political exit or a strategic pause remains to be seen.
