Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly thanked his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory), for “discovering” him politically. He dedicated his Man of the Year award to Wike during the New Telegraph Awards ceremony in Lagos on Friday, February 13, 2026.
In an emotional speech at the event, Fubara explained why he has often chosen to appear “weak” in the face of tough political challenges. He said critics call it weakness, but he sees it differently. “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. 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,” he said. He added, “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
Fubara went on to directly thank Wike for giving him the chance to become governor. “I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it, 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,” he stated. He also praised the people of Rivers State for their patience and maturity during months of political tension.
This comes as signs of peace growing between Fubara and Wike. Their long rivalry started soon after Fubara took office in 2023 and caused big problems, including fights in the state assembly and threats of impeachment.
Recent efforts by President Bola Tinubu helped calm things down. Recent steps include Fubara dissolving his cabinet and plans to send a new list of commissioners to the assembly, which may include people close to Wike.
