Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, has stated that he is not eager to be reinstated, saying, “My spirit has already left there.” He made the remarks during a service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman Edwin Clark in Port Harcourt on Sunday, May 11.
At the event organized by the Rivers Elders Forum, several speakers referred to Fubara as “Governor” and called for the reversal of his suspension. However, Fubara distanced himself from these calls, describing them as personal opinions that are unlikely to promote peace. He cautioned his supporters against confrontational tactics, hinting at a preference for a more strategic and less aggressive approach to the ongoing political crisis in the state.
“Don’t you see how better I look? Do you think I am interested again? If I have my way, I don’t wish to go back there,” Fubara said, warning that some actions by his supporters, though well-intended, have worsened his situation. He urged attendees to focus on honouring Edwin Clark’s legacy rather than making the event a political platform.
Fubara was suspended on March 18 by President Bola Tinubu, who declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State amid a political crisis involving Fubara and his godfather, former governor Nyesom Wike. Alongside Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and all members of the State House of Assembly were also suspended, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas appointed as sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs during the emergency.
