Key Points

• Fubara no longer wants to return as governor of Rivers.

• He asked supporters to avoid confrontations and stay focused.

• Political tension continues despite Fubara’s call for peace.

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revealed he no longer wishes to return to office.

He made this declaration on Sunday during a service of songs held in honor of late elder statesman Edwin Clark in Port Harcourt.

“Do you think I’m even interested in going back there?” he asked the crowd. “Don’t you see how better I look? My spirit left that place long ago.”

Fubara, who was suspended in March under President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule, made it clear that he has found peace away from the seat of power.

The federal government suspended Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers following a prolonged political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Political tensions escalate as protests continue

Since the imposition of emergency rule, tensions have intensified in Rivers State. Supporters of both Fubara and Wike have staged protests and counter-protests, deepening the unrest.

Recently, some women believed to support Fubara walked out on Theresa Ibas, the wife of the newly appointed sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas. The walkout occurred during a women’s empowerment program organized by First Lady Remi Tinubu.

In response, Wike apologized to President Tinubu, calling the incident an insult to the Office of the First Lady. He also accused Fubara of instigating the disruption.

Fubara, however, urged his supporters to avoid unnecessary confrontations. “There are some fights you don’t fight,” he said. “Ask yourself if the person you’re fighting for even wants it.”

Fubara calls for peace and clarity among supporters

Fubara emphasized the need for focus. “We have things to do for our state, but we must not act without direction,” he said. “I am the one wearing the shoes. I know where it hurts.”

His remarks came just days after reports that he had reached out to Wike in an attempt to resolve their political differences.

Despite the deepening crisis, Fubara’s message was clear: he no longer seeks the governor’s seat and hopes for calm moving forward.