Siminalayi Fubara has publicly acknowledged Nyesom Wike as his political benefactor, dedicating his Man of the Year award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in a speech that could reshape Rivers State’s political landscape.
Speaking at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos on Friday, the Rivers State governor delivered an emotional address on leadership, reconciliation, and what he described as choosing “weakness” for the sake of peace and survival.
Fubara: ‘Weakness Is a Virtue’
Addressing critics who have questioned his handling of the prolonged Rivers political crisis, Fubara defended his conciliatory approach.
“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,” he said.
The governor added that protecting the state and the nation required restraint and maturity, declaring pointedly:
“Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
The remarks come amid months of intense political tensions that have defined governance in Rivers State since he assumed office in May 2023.
‘He Discovered Me’ — Award Dedicated to Wike
In a move expected to spark fresh political conversations, Fubara dedicated the prestigious award to Wike, his predecessor and former political ally.
“I also dedicate this award to somebody who 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 symbolic gesture signals a potential thaw in relations between the two leaders after a fierce power struggle that split the Rivers State House of Assembly and led to impeachment threats.
Tinubu’s Intervention and Signs of Reconciliation
The renewed tone of reconciliation follows mediation efforts by Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Wike had earlier expressed optimism about the peace process after inspecting projects in Abuja, noting that the President had intervened as a “father” figure in the dispute between the governor and the state legislature.
Recent developments indicate stabilisation efforts, including the reported submission of a fresh list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly — a key step in restoring full governance operations.
Background: Rivers Political Crisis
The political standoff between Fubara and Wike began shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in May 2023. The crisis led to:
Deep divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly
Threats of impeachment
Months of governance uncertainty
Heightened political tension across Rivers State
However, public acknowledgments — including Fubara referring to Wike as “My Oga” during the inspection of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project — suggest both leaders may be prioritising political stability.
