Fubara Questions Governor’s Motives: ‘Why Meet Tinubu And Wike If You Don’t Want To Return?

The political camp of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is in disarray following his recent statement expressing hesitancy about returning to the Government House in Port Harcourt. Fubara, along with his deputy and state House of Assembly members, was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, after a state of emergency was declared due to an ongoing political crisis.

During a tribute event for the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt, Fubara revealed that he was not desperate to reclaim his position as Governor, even suggesting that his spirit had already left the Government House. He also expressed frustration with his supporters, who he felt were more focused on confrontation and protests rather than pursuing peace and reconciliation.

He said, “If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return. My spirit has left that place (Government House). But many people, including the late Chief Clark, have made sacrifices for me, which is why I must stand by them.”

Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), questioned Fubara’s sincerity, pointing out that if he truly had no intention of returning as governor, he wouldn’t have spent considerable resources traveling to London for a peace meeting with President Tinubu or visited Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike in Abuja.

Ambakederimo stated, “The governor is playing to the gallery. He has abandoned his supporters. If he doesn’t want to return as governor, why did he go to London? Why did he meet Wike in Abuja?”

Anabs Sara-Igbe, a prominent member of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), argued that Fubara’s remarks were personal and did not reflect the wishes of the Rivers people. He expressed hope that the state of emergency would not last the full six months initially set by Tinubu, adding, “Rivers people have spoken. They want the governor back in office, and they are satisfied with his leadership. Once he is reinstated, if he chooses not to return, he can explain it to us.”

Similarly, Alaye Theophilus, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), emphasized that the fight for peace in Rivers State was not about Fubara as an individual but about ending political oppression. He stated, “Whether it’s Fubara or someone else in the governor’s seat, it’s the spirit of peace and progress that matters. We want the emergency rule in Rivers to end, not a personal issue with the governor.”