Emergency Rule: “Do You Even Know If I Want to Go Back There?” – Fubara Reacts to Calls for His Return as Governor

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed indifference toward returning to office, stating publicly, “Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there.” The governor made the remark during a service of songs held in honour of late elder statesman Edwin Clark in Port Harcourt on Sunday, an event organised by the Rivers Elders Forum.

Fubara’s comments came in response to several speakers at the event who referred to him as “Governor” and condemned his suspension, calling for its reversal. He distanced himself from those remarks, describing them as personal opinions that are unlikely to contribute to peace. Emphasising the importance of a strategic rather than confrontational response to the current political crisis, he remarked, “Not everything is by ‘oshogbe’.”

He also issued a warning to his supporters, saying that while their actions may be well-meaning, some have only made his situation worse. Fubara urged attendees to keep the focus on honouring the legacy of Edwin Clark, who he described as a selfless advocate for the Niger Delta, rather than allowing the occasion to become politicised.