Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is not desperate to return to office, saying that his “spirit has already left” the Rivers Government House.
Fubara made the statement during a service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
The event, organised by the Rivers Elders Forum, brought together prominent leaders and sympathisers who paid glowing tributes to the deceased.
During the event, several speakers referred to Fubara as “Governor” and criticised his suspension, demanding its immediate reversal.
In his response, Fubara distanced himself from those comments, describing them as personal opinions that do not necessarily align with his approach to the ongoing political crisis.
“Not everything is by oshogbe,” he said, hinting at his preference for a more strategic and less confrontational resolution.
“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” he added, drawing a murmur from the audience.
Fubara also cautioned some of his supporters, noting that while their actions may be well-intentioned, they have at times made matters worse.
“Some of the things you are doing, thinking you’re helping me, are actually making things worse,” he warned.
He urged attendees at the event to keep the focus on celebrating Edwin Clark’s legacy, rather than turning the solemn occasion into a political gathering.
“This is about Edwin Clark, a man who lived selflessly and advocated for the Niger Delta. Let’s honour him and not make this about politics,” Fubara stated.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
This is however, due to a prolonged political crisis involving Fubara and his estranged political mentor and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike culminating into destruction of national assets and threat to national security.