Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said his deliberate choice to embrace what some critics term “weakness” was guided by a commitment to peace and stability, as he dedicated his Man of the Year Award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The governor made the remarks on Friday night in Lagos while receiving the award at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night, where he spoke candidly about leadership under pressure, political turbulence, and the path to reconciliation.
Describing the occasion as deeply personal, Fubara noted that the honour was shared with those who stood by him through challenging times.
“Today for me is a very special day, and also special for everyone who has believed in me, and I know for believing in me, you have a share of special pain,” he said.
Reflecting on the prolonged political tensions that have shaped governance in Rivers State, the governor said his leadership style had been widely misunderstood.
“Some of these pains, some persons describe them as weakness, while others say it as being strong, but I choose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak, because I want peace.
“Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I need to also protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” he stated.
In a pointed remark that may generate fresh political discourse, Fubara added, “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
He expressed appreciation to his family and the people of Rivers State for their restraint and steadfast support amid months of political uncertainty.
“To the wonderful people of Rivers State that have shown support, shown quietness, shown maturity that has brought us this far,” he said.
In a significant gesture, the governor dedicated the award to Wike, his predecessor and political benefactor.
“I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it, I also dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation, the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
“He discovered me, and it is the discovery that gave me this loudness,” Fubara declared.
His comments come amid recent indications of easing tensions between both leaders following mediation efforts by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Earlier reports had suggested that the political rift between Wike and Fubara was beginning to soften after what was described as a decisive intervention by the President.
Wike, while speaking after inspecting projects in Abuja, expressed optimism about the reconciliation process, saying, “I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time.
“All I can tell you is that Mr President has been very kind to the people of the state. If there seems to be a problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father, he really has to intervene.”
Fubara had also publicly acknowledged Wike’s role during an inspection of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, referring to the minister as “My Oga” and crediting him with initiating the project.
The political face-off between the two leaders began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, leading to deep divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats, and months of political instability.
However, recent developments, including the reported submission of a fresh list of commissioner-nominees to the Assembly, point to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring stability and strengthening governance in the state.
