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

Fubara made the remarks during a Night of Tributes organised by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, held at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt.

In his first public appearance since President Bola Tinubu suspended him and declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025, Fubara emphasized that while he is not eager to return, he feels a duty to stand by those who have supported him. “If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” he said. “But many people, including the late Chief Clark, have made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them.”

He cautioned against interpreting the tribute event as a political gathering targeting 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.”

Urging restraint and focus, Fubara reflected on his state of mind since his suspension. “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.”

He added, “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.”

Calling for peace and strategic thinking, he noted, “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.”

In a related statement by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara urged his supporters to avoid confrontational rhetoric and act in line with his commitment to peacebuilding. He cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions and reaffirmed his dedication to lawful, peaceful leadership.

The event also featured messages of unity from Apostle Zilly Aggrey, who called for reconciliation among political actors, and commended both Wike and President Tinubu for their respective roles in addressing the state’s crisis.

Several dignitaries attended the tribute, including former governors, senators, academics, and community leaders, alongside Fubara’s allies such as Senator John Azuta Mbata and Dr. Edison Ehie.