Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said he doesn’t wish to return to office following his suspension, if not for the pressure among Rivers people for him to come back to further his passion for leaving a lasting legacy for the common good.

The governor, at the Sunday Night of Tribute, put together by Rivers Elders and Leaders in honour of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and held at the Royal House of Grace in Port Harcourt, said he has felt more peace and is looking better outside the pressurised atmosphere of the office of the governor, as a lot of persons are unaware of what the situation is.

He told the audience at the tribute, “This is the first time I’m speaking publicly after the event of March 18. A lot of people don’t know what the situation is. It’s not about the force of activism. It gets to a time when activism won’t solve problems. For that reason, I am a bit careful.

Gov. Fubara observed that the evening should strictly remain within the purpose of paying tribute to Pa Clark and not be about the political situation in the state, as he particularly cautioned those who spoke about the President and Minister of FCT to restrain themselves, saying, “When they leave here, it may not be presented the way it is said. They will say Fubara gathered his supporters to speak against the president and the FCT minister.”

He queried, “Even some of you, have you asked yourselves if I am interested in going back? Don’t you see how much better I look? Do you think I am interested in it?

If I have my way, I don’t wish to go back there.

“My spirit left that place long ago. So, I want everybody to focus on the tribute. There are some fights you don’t engage in, because you need to ask the person if he want it. I have peace. If you have known me and seen me, you can see that I look better.”

According to him, “Much as we have some things we need to do for our state and the fact that people have made sacrifices for us in one way or the other, we have to stand by them; it doesn’t mean we should be fighting without any target. We need to be focused.”

Harping on the imperative for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Rivers people over the lingering political situation that pushed the state into emergency rule, Governor Fubara called for caution and urged his supporters not to be confrontational but to follow his peaceful path.

He said, “I always tell those of you who want to listen not to do things because you want to do them, but do the things that I want. I am the one wearing the shoes; I know the solutions to my problem and know how to walk through the problems.

Gov Fubara insisted that before people go ahead to do anything in his interest, they should seek his consent as according to him, “I have a wife and kids to bring up. They need me now more than ever. So when I finish that work and the work of humanity, the aircraft can land and I will board gallantly.”

Reflecting on the legacy of Chief Clark and how he has impacted him, the governor noted, “This event is something I honestly cannot avoid. Pa Clark was a very special person to everyone of us, especially to me. I feel indebted to him. I might have supported the burial programme, but my presence here is the most important thing.

“We are here talking about a man who led a sacrificial life. We are here talking about a man who spent his personal money to go to court for me.

“What is special about Pa Clark? Maybe when he started his life as a young man, he might have made his own mistakes like everyone of us, but at a certain time in his life, he decided to dedicate it to fighting for the common good of others, and he did it well.

“I am a beneficiary of that. I have never met him one day. I spoke to him a few times on the phone, and he stood by me. Until his death, the first time I stepped foot into his house was when I went for a condolence. He supported what he believed in, fighting injustice. And that is the man we are celebrating this evening.

“It is a celebration because he got to the age of 97 before his transition and lived for others. So I want us this evening, as we have gathered here to celebrate him, to learn from him and let us dedicate our lives to things that are good.”

In a brief homily, the General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace, Apostle Dr Zilly Aggrey, emphasised the temporary nature of life and admonished everyone to live life bearing in mind that there will be a day to return to the maker.

He noted that people need to live together in peace rather than in strife, as no man is certain about what happens in the future except God.

Other speakers at the night of tribute included Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Alabo Gabriel Toby, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Senator John Azuta Mbata, Prof. Roseline Konya, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe and Bishop Elkanah Hanson