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.
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