Fubara Declares: “My Spirit Left Rivers Govt. House Long Ago”…Opt Out, Wike Camp Taunt Suspended Gov.

By Reporter

The suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, broke his silence on Sunday, offering a poignant reflection on his political fate and the weight of loyalty in the face of turmoil. Speaking publicly for the first time since his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, Fubara declared he no longer harbours a desire to return to office.

He called on his supporters to stop intervening on his behalf, saying, if he had his way, he wouldn’t want to If return as governor of Rivers State.

“If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” Fubara told a somber gathering during a Night of Tributes organised by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

However, Fubara statement drew swift criticism from the camp of ex governor Nyesome Wike, with Lere Olayinka urging Fubara on his ‘X’ handle.

“It is not really compulsory to stay in a marriage your spirit already left. Simply opt out legally,” Olayinka wrote sarcastically.

“My spirit left the Government House long ago,” he added, reacting to the emotional toll of the ongoing political crisis in the state.

“I came today not because I wanted to speak…I came because Pa Clark was special to me. Being here, silently honouring him, is the most meaningful tribute I can offer.”

The former governor cautioned guests and speakers against using the tribute as political platform. He also expressed disapproval at remarks made at the function that criticised President Tinubu and his political godfather, Wike.

“This programme is a tribute to Pa Clark. It’s not about Sim Fubara…Even though I respect the message from the bishop, today is not the time for political declarations.

“Look at me. I look better now. I have peace,” he said, drawing chuckles from parts of the congregation. “Do you really think I’m interested in going back?”

He stressed that he will remain engaged because of those that stood by him, like the late Chief Clark.

“Many people made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them. But not every battle is worth fighting,” he said. “We must ask: what exactly are we fighting for? Who benefits?

“Let us not shoot blindly. Let us stay focused,” he said.

Throughout his speech, Fubara urged restraint and reflection, asking the audience to honour Clark’s legacy of peace, justice, and integrity.

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

Meanwhile, in a statement released by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara urged his supporters to refrain from confrontational rhetoric and to follow his example of strategic restraint and peacebuilding.

He noted that some remarks and actions by supporters were inconsistent with his own values and could further inflame tensions in the state.

Fubara said he often wonders whether his supporters truly consider whether their approach leads to peace and reconciliation.

He warned against acts that could worsen the already delicate situation.

As a leader, he said, he remained conscious of the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and is committed to acting within the law to restore stability and move Rivers State forward.