“I have peace, I look better now. My spirit left that place long ago,” says embattled governor at Clark memorial
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he feels more at peace since stepping aside from office, revealing that he no longer desires to return to the position.
Speaking at a memorial gathering held in honour of Chief Edwin Clark, the revered elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Fubara told the audience that he had found personal peace and clarity away from the political turmoil.
“What I need now… even some of you—have you asked yourself, do you think I’m even interested in going back there? I want to ask you—don’t you see how much better I look? If I had my way, I’d say it’s over. It’s the will of God. I don’t wish to go back there. My spirit left that place long ago.”
He urged attendees to remain focused on the purpose of the evening and not be distracted by side conversations or political sentiments.
“It’s not everything you do just because you think it’s right. Sometimes, you need to ask—does the person even want it? I have peace now. If you know me, if you’ve been seeing me, you can tell—I look better.”
Acknowledging his responsibilities to those who supported him and to the people of Rivers State, Fubara said commitment must be guided by focus and discernment.
“Yes, people have made sacrifices for us. One way or another, I have to stand by them. But that doesn’t mean we should start firing without targets. We need to stay focused.”
He emphasized that the memorial was not about him or politics, but about honouring the life and legacy of Chief Edwin Clark, a man he described as a symbol of selflessness and justice.
“This evening is about Clark—it’s not about Fubara, or the Osho Basin. Please, let’s keep that in mind. Any other comments or admonitions made here reflect personal opinions, not the purpose of this solemn event.”
Fubara used the opportunity to speak candidly about bitterness and forgiveness among supporters.
“We’re here to talk about a man who lived a life of sacrifice. But among you—the women here—do you have a forgiving spirit? Your hearts are bitter. You don’t forgive.”
Reflecting on Clark’s unwavering support, Fubara described how the elder statesman stood by him during challenging times, even without a personal relationship.
“He spent his own money to go to court for me. He rallied people to support me. Yet, I never met him in person—we only spoke a few times over the phone. The first time I visited his house was after his passing.”
“He believed in justice. He supported me because he believed I had been wronged. That is the man we are celebrating tonight,” Fubara concluded.
Following Fubara’s feud and fallout with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State was plunged into political crisis, resulting in President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all the state lawmakers for six months.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, was subsequently appointed by the president as the sole administrator of Rivers.
