Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara said that what people see as weakness in him is actually a deliberate choice to maintain peace and stability in the state.
The governor made the remark on Friday in Lagos while accepting the 2025 Man of the Year award from New Telegraph.
During his speech, which focused on the challenges of leadership, political tension, and the need for unity, Fubara dedicated the award to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, Wike was the one who identified and supported him at the start of his political journey.
The governor said that opportunity brought him into the spotlight and shaped his path.
“I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it. I also dedicate this award to somebody who discovered me, not minding the situation — the honourable minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike,” he said.
“He discovered me, and it is the discovery that gave me this loudness. Today is a very special day, and also special for everyone who has believed in me, and I know that for believing in me, you have a share of special pain.
“Some people have described these pains as weakness, while others say it is being strong. But I choose to be weak for a lot of reasons, 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. Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
The governor thanked his family and the people of Rivers for showing patience and maturity during the political unrest.
His comments come shortly after President Bola Tinubu stepped in to mediate between Fubara and the Rivers House of Assembly, following months of tension, impeachment threats, and division within the legislature.
