Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said his decision to appear “weak” amid the protracted political tension in the state was a deliberate sacrifice aimed at preserving peace and stability.
Fubara made the remark on Friday, February 13, 2026, in Lagos while receiving the New Telegraph Man of the Year Award. He dedicated the honour to God, the people of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as his political benefactor.
According to the governor, what some perceive as weakness is, in reality, a conscious choice made in the interest of the state and the nation.
“Today is a special day for me and for everyone who believed in me. Some people call it weakness; others see it as strength. For many reasons, I chose to be weak — weak because I want peace, weak because we need to survive, and weak because I want to protect what is dear not just to me but to our nation. Weakness is a virtue; it pays at the right time,” he said.
Fubara acknowledged the role played by the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, in his political rise, noting that it was Wike who discovered and elevated him.
“Interpret it or misrepresent it, I must also dedicate this award to my Oga, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, who discovered me despite the situation. That discovery gave me this platform,” he stated.
The governor also expressed gratitude to God Almighty, his family and the people of Rivers State for their patience and maturity during the political challenges confronting the state.
He commended New Telegraph for the recognition, noting that being selected among over 200 million Nigerians was a significant honour.
In his remarks, former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, congratulated Governor Fubara and other award recipients for their contributions to national development.
Earlier, the Chairman and Publisher of New Telegraph, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said the awards were conferred strictly on merit. He explained that recipients were selected based on tangible contributions to national development, not partisan considerations.
Kalu added that the recognition was intended to encourage awardees to deepen their service to humanity and sustain efforts toward Nigeria’s advancement.
Governor Fubara was accompanied to the event by a large delegation of Rivers elders, political leaders, stakeholders and supporters.
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