Governor Fubara Reacts to Reinstatement Calls, Says ‘I Don’t Wish To Go Back There’ [Video]

Governor Fubara says he does not wish to return to the Rivers State Government House.

Newsone Nigeria reports that the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that he is not desperate to return to office, revealing that his “spirit left the Government House long ago.”

However, the suspended governor acknowledged the immense support he had received from many people and emphasised the importance of standing by those who have made sacrifices for him.

Governor Fubara made the remarks on Sunday, May 11, 2025, during a Night of Tributes organizsd by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The event took place 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 marked his first public speech 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.”

Watch Governor Fubara speaking below…

‘My Spirit Has Left There’, Fubara Breaks Silence On Rivers Emergency Rule pic.twitter.com/C3oSBRUfd9

— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 11, 2025

Reacting to comments made by some speakers, Governor Fubara expressed concern that the event might be misrepresented as a political rally targeting his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu. He urged speakers to exercise restraint.

“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.”

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.”

He cautioned that the event’s focus should remain on paying tribute to the late Pa Clark and not veer into political territory.

“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 added, “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.”

Fubara emphasised that not every battle is worth fighting and urged the public to ask whether he truly desires to return to power.

“In as much 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.

Governor Fubara reiterated that the gathering was to honour Pa Clark and urged participants to reflect on the late statesman’s legacy of peace, justice, and selfless service.

Meanwhile, Newsone reports that the problem started when Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the federal capital territory (FCT) minister, began a serious political fight in late 2023.

President Tinubu tried to solve the problem in December 2024 by creating a peace agreement between the two politicians.

However, on March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This meant suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all lawmakers in the state.

Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired navy leader, to run the state instead.

This action put the federal government in direct control of Rivers State, eliminating the normal state government structure.