Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is not desperate to return to office, stating that his “spirit left the Government House long ago.”

Fubara made the revelation on Sunday while speaking at a Night of Tributes organised 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.

Despite his emotional detachment from office, the embattled governor said he remains committed to those who have supported and sacrificed for him, including the late Chief Clark.

“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.”

The occasion marked Fubara’s first public address since his suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

Fubara cautioned that the solemnity of the event should not be misinterpreted, especially in light of politically charged comments by some earlier speakers and clergy. He warned against turning the gathering into a political rally aimed at his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, or President Tinubu.

“This programme is a tribute to Pa Clark. It’s not about Sim Fubara,” he stated. “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 continued, “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.”

Fubara stressed the importance of discernment and cautioned against reactionary actions. “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.

In a separate statement issued by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor urged his supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and to follow his example of restraint and peacebuilding. He noted that some actions and utterances from his camp risked escalating the already tense political atmosphere in the state.

“As a leader, I remain conscious of the weight of responsibility on my shoulders and am committed to acting within the law to restore stability and move Rivers State forward,” he stated.

Fubara added that he now enjoys better health and peace of mind and urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Chief Clark’s legacy of unity, justice, and service to the Niger Delta and the nation.

In his sermon, Apostle Zilly Aggrey cited James 4:13–16, Hebrews 12:14–15, and Matthew 7:12, calling for wisdom and reconciliation among political leaders. He appealed for peace and praised President Tinubu for his role in managing the crisis, while urging further measures to restore democratic stability in the state.

Apostle Aggrey also acknowledged the contributions of Minister Nyesom Wike in Fubara’s emergence as governor and encouraged him to support efforts toward reconciliation.

Other dignitaries who paid tribute included former Governor and Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus George; former Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby; Senator Benneth Birabi; Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime; Prof. Steve Azaiki; Ms. Ann Kio Briggs; Bishop Elkanah Hanson; Senator Andrew Uchendu; Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe; Prof. Roseline Konya; and Senator John Azuta Mbata.

Governor Fubara was accompanied by key political figures including Senator John Azuta Mbata, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, Chief Hanny Woko, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Dr. Edison Ehie, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.

Also in attendance were Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Chikodi Dike, and other prominent stakeholders.