My Reasons – Fubara Quits Rivers Guber Race

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial primaries in Rivers State, declaring that he stepped aside after facing “immense pressures and difficult choices” in the interest of peace, stability and unity in the state.

In a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, the governor said his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family, friends and political associates.

Fubara said: “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.”

The governor added that he was making the sacrifice with “a full heart” and pledged to support whoever eventually emerges as the candidate of the party.

“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he stated.
Speaking on the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal, Fubara hinted at mounting political pressure but declined to disclose details, insisting that restraint was necessary for the greater good of Rivers State.

“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.

“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,” the governor declared.

Fubara maintained that leadership sometimes demands personal sacrifice, stressing that the interest of Rivers people must come before individual ambition.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” he said,.clarifying “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.”

The governor also appealed to his supporters not to lose faith despite what he acknowledged could be feelings of disappointment and anger over his decision to quit the race.

“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,” he said, adding “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.”

“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he added.

Fubara thanked the APC leadership for giving him a platform and also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement throughout the process.

“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process,” he stated.

“I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.”

He urged party faithful to remain united, insisting that the APC remained “our collective home.”

“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,” he said.

Fubara, however, insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers 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,” he declared.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure.