- Urges supporters to stop escalating tension in Rivers.
Suspended governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters to tone down confrontational rhetoric in the state, and follow a path of peace to resolve the political crisis in the state. He also announced to his supporters that he is at peace with himself, and sometimes wonders if he’d like to return as state governor.
Fubara spoke on Sunday night at a Night of Tributes organized by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
Reacting to the seemingly raucous disposition of many of his supporters who thronged the event, Fubara cautioned, “I noticed many of you strayed from the actual reason why we’re here. This is about celebrating Pa Clark, not about me. Tomorrow, it could be misrepresented as Fubara assembling supporters to attack the minister( of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike) or the President—that’s not the case.”
He questioned rhetorically, “You should ask whether I even want to return. I’m at peace now. Just look at me you can see I’m doing better.”
While acknowledging the support and sacrifices made by others on his behalf, he cautioned against unfocused and misguided advocacy.
“This evening is about Pa Clark not about Sim Fubara or political drama. Everyone’s comments here reflect personal views. We’re honouring a man who made real sacrifices, including spending his own resources to fight for me in court.”
The Governor noted that some of the remarks and actions of his supporters were unnecessary and contrary to his personal beliefs and principles of pursuing peace in the midst of the political crisis in the State.
He held 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.
Governor Fubara announced that he now enjoys 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.
Apostle Zilly Aggrey, who preached at the occasion, quoted James 4:13-16; Hebrew 12:14-15; and Matthew 7:12; stating that the season called for wisdom on the path of all actors, saying only a people united in spirit and purpose can defeat their enemies.
He commended 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 expressed gratitude to 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 Governor of the State, and Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus Ada George, former Deputy Governor of the State, Sir 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.