“I look better now. I have peace. If I had my way, I wouldn’t go back there.” — Fubara
Byline: IDNN Politics Desk – Niger Delta Bureau
In a raw, emotionally charged declaration that is shaking the foundations of Rivers politics, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara said he is “not desperate to return to Government House.” The shocking statement came during a tribute night in Port Harcourt for the late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, where Fubara made his first public comments since his suspension on March 18, 2025.
“My spirit left Government House long ago,” Fubara declared to thunderous silence, challenging assumptions about his intentions to reclaim power.
This was no press stunt. No political grandstanding. This was a man laying it bare.
Instead of political defiance, Fubara focused on legacy and loyalty:
“Chief Clark stood by me. Others have made sacrifices. I owe it to them to stand tall, but not to be reckless.”
The timing? Explosive.
The message? Crystal clear.
This is not about power—it’s about peace.
⚖️ Not Every Battle Is Worth Fighting
Fubara cautioned supporters against turning a night of tribute into a political firestorm. He rejected insinuations that the event was an attack on his predecessor Nyesom Wike or President Bola Tinubu.
“This is a tribute, not a political campaign. Don’t let anyone say I gathered people here to throw shots.”
Behind the humility was a subtle rebuke:
“It’s not about shouting ‘Oshobe Oshobe’. That doesn’t solve anything,” he warned, throwing jabs at populist showboating.
🧘 Peace Over Power
In a follow-up statement from his media aide Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara urged supporters to emulate his calm. He called for “strategic restraint” and “peace-building,” distancing himself from inflammatory rhetoric that has marred the state’s political crisis.
“Look at me—I look better now. I sleep better. I’ve found peace. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t go back,” he said, drawing applause and murmurs of shock.
He also praised Wike for supporting his rise and appealed for reconciliation:
“Let’s put Rivers State first. We must heal.”
💬 Why It Matters
This isn’t just a personal moment—it’s a political earthquake. Fubara’s statement reframes the power struggle in Rivers, and his refusal to cling to power could shift the tone of state politics going forward.
In a region often mired in political vendettas, Fubara’s restraint is rare—and perhaps revolutionary.