By Okeoghene Geregu, Port Harcourt
There are strong indications that the totality of the events leading to the protracted Rivers State crisis and subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have not only beamed both the ‘jungle and slippery slope’ side of Nigerian politics to the embattled Fubara, but also left him in a quandary whether he would return to his seat again or not.
The indications to that effect emerged on Sunday when he betrayed trace of emotions of disinterestedness, helplessness and detachment from the governorship position.
The Daily Crucible reports that President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara from office and declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025 to arrest the drift to anarchy the State was heading to at the time.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during a service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman and Chief Kiagbodo, Edwin Clark, and organised by the Rivers Elders Forum, Fubara made a striking remark about his current state of mind.
“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” he said.
The remarks followed comments by several speakers at the event who, while referring to him as “Governor,” decried his suspension from office and demanded its reversal.
Fubara, however, distanced himself from their remarks of solidarity noting that they reflected personal opinions rather than his own stance.
“Not everything is by ‘oshogbe,'”he cautioned, hinting at his preferring diplomacy to confrontation in handling the ongoing political crisis.
Fubara also cautioned that a good number of the actions taken by some of his supporters, though well-intentioned, had only worsened his plight.
He urged the attendees to focus on the tribute of Edwin Clark who lived a selfless life advocating for the Niger Delta region and not make it about politics.
“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.”
Reacting to comments made by some speakers, 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. 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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 said.
