Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara don make am clear say he no dey desperate to return to office, as he talk say his spirit don waka go long ago. This one happen during a Night of Tributes hosted by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum for the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, for Royal House of Grace Church on Sunday.
Fubara acknowledge say many people don show him support and stress the need to stand by those wey don sacrifice for him. He make this speech, wey be him first since President Bola Tinubu suspend am on March 18, 2025, and declare state of emergency for Rivers State. “If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” he talk. “But many people, including the late Chief Clark, have made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them.”
As e dey respond to some politically charged comments from earlier speakers, Fubara express concern say the event fit turn into political rally against his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu. He urge speakers to show restraint, noting, “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.”
Fubara say, “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.” He emphasize say the focus of the gathering suppose be on paying tribute to late Pa Clark, no be political matters.
“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.” He further declare, “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.”
The suspended governor reflect say no all battles worth fighting and urge people to consider whether he truly want 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 ordain.
He call on everyone to take inspiration from Pa Clark’s legacy of peace and selfless service. In a statement wey his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, release, Fubara appeal to supporters to keep confrontational comments aside and emulate his example of peacebuilding.
“Some comments and actions by supporters don’t match with my values and fit cause more tension. I dey wonder if my supporters think about whether their approach dey lead to peace and reconciliation,” he caution.
During the event, Apostle Zilly Aggrey take the chance talk about the need for wisdom and reconciliation, quoting scripture wey dey emphasize unity among political actors. He praise former governor Wike for his contribution to Fubara’s rise and urge for peace for the good of Rivers State.
Many dignitaries attend the event, including Chief Rufus George, Sir Gabriel Toby, and others, as Fubara dey address the crowd alongside several prominent figures in the state.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
