…Fubara stated, “Sometimes what people call weakness is strength. Weakness is a virtue; it pays at the right time”.
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Siminalayi Fubara has said his choice to adopt what some critics term “weakness” was a deliberate move aimed at ensuring peace and political survival, as he dedicated his Man of the Year award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Rivers governor spoke on Friday while receiving the honour at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos, where he offered an emotional reflection on leadership, political strain and reconciliation.
Describing the moment as significant, Fubara said the recognition was special to him and to those who stood by him, noting that their support came with its share of “pain.”
Addressing the protracted political crisis that has shaped governance in Rivers State, he explained that his conciliatory style had been misinterpreted in some quarters.
According to him, what many describe as weakness was a conscious decision taken for broader reasons. He said he chose to appear weak to secure peace, guarantee survival and safeguard values important not only to him but to the nation.
“Sometimes what people call weakness is strength. Weakness is a virtue; it pays at the right time,” he added.
Fubara thanked his family and residents of Rivers State for their patience and maturity throughout months of political tension, commending their calm disposition.
In a move likely to spark political debate, the governor dedicated the award to Wike, his predecessor and political benefactor, acknowledging him as the person who discovered and elevated him politically.
He insisted that regardless of how the gesture might be interpreted, Wike’s support played a key role in his rise.
The remarks come amid indications that tensions between both leaders are easing following mediation by President Bola Tinubu.
Reports had earlier suggested that the longstanding rift showed signs of softening after what was described as a decisive intervention by the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Wike, after inspecting projects in Abuja, expressed optimism about the reconciliation, praising the President’s role and describing him as a father figure who stepped in to address the dispute between the governor and the state legislature.
Fubara had similarly acknowledged Wike’s influence during an inspection of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, referring to him as “My Oga” and crediting him with initiating the project.
The feud, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, led to sharp divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats and prolonged uncertainty in governance.
However, recent developments including the reported submission of a fresh list of commissioner-nominees to the Assembly point to ongoing efforts to restore stability in the state.
