The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has hinted that he may no longer be interested in returning to office following his suspension under a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. Fubara made this statement during a service of songs in honor of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt.
While responding to public expressions of support from speakers who continued to refer to him as "Governor" and called for his reinstatement, Fubara said, "Can't you see how better I look? Do you think I'm interested in going back there?" He further added, "My spirit has already left that place long ago," suggesting that he has emotionally distanced himself from the political turmoil engulfing the state.
The event, organized by the Rivers Elders Forum, turned political as many attendees condemned President Tinubu's intervention in the state's affairs. However, Fubara cautioned against inflaming tensions, describing such comments as "personal opinions" that do not necessarily foster peace. He advised against confrontation, saying "Not everything is by 'oshogbe,'" a local expression indicating that confrontation isn't always the best path forward.
Fubara also expressed concern that some well-meaning actions by his supporters had inadvertently worsened his predicament. The political crisis in Rivers State escalated sharply after a disagreement between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Despite a peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu in December 2024, the accord quickly unraveled.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance. He suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state legislature, appointing a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator. This move drew wide criticism from several quarters, including a group of 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the President's actions.
The PDP governors argued that the imposition of emergency rule and suspension of duly elected officials undermine Nigeria's democracy. However, the National Assembly has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit, arguing that it is procedurally defective and lacking in merit. The legislature claimed the court lacks jurisdiction and requested N1 billion in costs against the PDP governors for what it described as a frivolous and speculative case.
As legal and political battles continue to rage, Fubara's comments at the memorial service have added a new layer of uncertainty to the crisis, raising questions about whether he intends to pursue reinstatement or walk away from the state's top office entirely.
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