Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defended his decision to adopt what critics have labelled “weakness”, saying the posture was a deliberate strategy for peace, survival and stability, as he dedicated his Man of the Year award to the minister of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos on Friday, Fubara delivered an emotional address that mixed gratitude with political reflection, hinting at the personal toll of the prolonged crisis that has shaped Rivers politics since he assumed office.
“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.
The governor, whose administration has been rocked by months of political turbulence and factional battles within the Rivers State House of Assembly, said his leadership style had been repeatedly misread.
“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,” he told the gathering.
“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.”
In a remark that is likely to reignite debate over his political choices and alliances, Fubara declared: “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
He also praised Rivers residents for their restraint through months of uncertainty, describing their conduct as essential to the state’s continued stability.
“To the wonderful people of Rivers State that have shown support, shown quietness, shown maturity that has brought us this far,” he said.
But the most politically charged moment came when the governor publicly dedicated the award to Wike, his predecessor and long-time political benefactor, despite the widely reported fallout between both men.
“I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it,” Fubara said. “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.”
The governor’s remarks come amid signs that the bitter rivalry between both leaders may be thawing following mediation efforts led by President Bola Tinubu.
Reports have suggested that the president recently intervened in what was described as a “final” effort to broker peace between the feuding camps during a meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Wike, speaking after inspecting projects in the federal capital, also sounded optimistic about the process.
“I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time,” he said. “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 has also in recent weeks acknowledged Wike’s role in shaping some of the state’s major projects. During the inspection of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, he described the minister as “My Oga” and credited him with conceiving the initiative.
The standoff between both men began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023 and quickly escalated into a full-blown political crisis, splitting the Rivers House of Assembly, fuelling impeachment threats and triggering months of uncertainty over governance in the oil-rich state.
However, recent developments suggest a possible return to stability, including reports that the governor has submitted a fresh list of commissioner-nominees to the Assembly as part of broader reconciliation efforts.
