The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any desperation to return to office, despite ongoing political tensions in the state. Fubara made this statement during a service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt, organized by the Rivers Elders Forum on Sunday.
Fubara responded to several speakers at the event who addressed him as “Governor” and criticized his suspension. He distanced himself from their remarks, calling them personal opinions and suggesting that such comments were unhelpful to the peace process.
“My spirit has already left there,” Fubara said, indicating that he was not eager to return to the position. He also highlighted a strategic, non-confrontational approach to the ongoing political crisis in the state, warning that some actions taken by his supporters, though well-meaning, had only worsened the situation.
The political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has escalated since the suspension of Fubara and other key officials. President Bola Tinubu intervened in December 2023, brokered a peace deal, and in March 2024, declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers.
This move led to the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State. However, 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors filed a suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the President’s action. The National Assembly has urged the court to dismiss the suit, calling it frivolous.
Fubara used the occasion to urge attendees to focus on celebrating the life of Edwin Clark, rather than turning the event into a political battleground.
