Edith CHUKU
The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned his loyalists against remarks and actions that were capable of escalating the tension in the state, insisting that he is not desperate to return to office.
Fubara stated this at the service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, organised by the Rivers Elders Forum on Sunday, May 11, where he made a shocking revelation that his spirit had already left the office.
The embattled governor responded to several speakers at the event who referred to him as “Governor” and strongly criticised his suspension, calling for immediate reversal.
Fubara who distanced himself from the remarks which he described as personal opinions, warned that some of the actions taken by some of his supporters, though well-intended, had only worsened his situation.
He explained that their comments were contrary to his personal beliefs and principles of pursuing peace in the midst of the political crisis in the state.
The suspended governor urged them to follow the path to peace, stability and reconciliation, even as he restated his commitment to peace, reconciliation and noted that the moment calls for wisdom and tact. “Not everything is by oshogbe,” he cautioned, hinting at his preference for a more strategic and less confrontational approach to the ongoing political crisis.
“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there.”
He urged his supporters to tone down their confrontational approach to the state’s political situation and instead follow his strategic steps towards enduring peace by showing restraint.
He stressed that as a leader, he was quite aware of the enormous responsibilities before him, and was doing what needed to be done within the ambit of the law to restore normalcy in a bid to move the State forward.
He urged the attendees to focus on the tribute of Edwin Clark who lived a selfless life advocating for the Niger Delta region and not make it about politics.
Fubara added that he now enjoyed peace of mind and appears even healthier, and emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the life and values of late Pa Clark, particularly his commitment to peace, unity, personal sacrifice, and statesmanship.
While speaking on the legacies of late Pa Clark, he regretted that some speakers had deviated from the purpose of the gathering, urging for focus on the lessons learnt from late Clark’s humanity, sacrifices and undying dedication to peace, truth, justice, equity and fairness in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
In his homily, Apostle Zilly Aggrey quoted James 4:13-16; Hebrew 12:14-15; and Matthew 7:12; and emphasised that the season called for wisdom on the path of all actors.
He urged all players in the political arena to make peace with one another, saying that only a people united in spirit and purpose can defeat any lurking enemies.
He thanked the former Governor and Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike for his role in Governor Fubara’s election, and tasked him to commit himself to the path of peace and reconciliation for normalcy to return to the State.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly role in the political crisis, and appealed for more proactive steps to bring lasting peace and restore democratic institutions in the State.
Others who spoke at the event included former hovernor of the state, and Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus Ada George, former deputy governor of the state, 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.
President Tinubu had on March 18 suspended governor Fubara, his deputy and the entire State House of Assembly members for six months over the political crisis between himself and his godfather and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
