Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial primaries, saying the decision was taken after deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends and associates.
In a statement addressed to the people of Rivers State, Fubara described the move as “difficult but necessary,” adding that he remains committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate of the party.
He said leadership requires sacrifice and that, at a critical moment for the state, peace, stability and unity must come before personal ambition.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he said.
The governor thanked his supporters for standing by him throughout the process, acknowledging the disappointment and pain many of them may feel over his decision. He said their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices were not in vain, noting that his silence in recent times was “deliberate and strategic,” guided by the higher interest of the state.
Fubara also hinted at challenges behind his decision, saying he had faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but chose restraint for the sake of peace.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he said. “Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
He expressed appreciation to the APC for the platform given to him and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the ruling party, Fubara urged party faithful and supporters to remain united and committed to building a stronger future.
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He said his decision to step aside should not be seen as an act of weakness, fear or surrender, but one of conviction and sacrifice in the interest of peace and unity in Rivers State.
The governor added that he remains committed to serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his term.
Full text of Fubara’s Speech:
MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS STATE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES
Fellow Rivers People,
After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.
Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.
To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.
As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.
I sincerely thank our great party, the All-Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.
The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.
Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.
Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor, Rivers State
