Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he deliberately chose what many perceive as “weakness” as a conscious sacrifice to preserve peace and stability in Rivers State amid prolonged political tension.

Governor Fubara made the remark on Friday, February 13, 2026, while receiving the New Telegraph Man of the Year Award in Lagos. He dedicated the honour to God, the people of Rivers State, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the political leader who discovered and elevated him.

According to the governor, his decision to appear weak was intentional and driven by the overriding interest of the people and the nation.

“Today is a very special day for me and for everyone who believed in me. For believing in me, you have also shared in the pain,” Fubara said. “Some people call it weakness; others see it as strength. But 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.”

While dedicating the award, the governor said that regardless of how his remarks might be interpreted, he felt obliged to publicly acknowledge Wike’s role in his political journey.

“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, not minding the situation. It was that discovery that gave me this loudness,” he stated.

Governor Fubara also dedicated the award to God Almighty, his family and the people of Rivers State, praising their patience, maturity and calm disposition in the face of political challenges.

He thanked New Telegraph for the honour, noting that out of Nigeria’s over 200 million population, the organisation found him worthy of recognition.

Also speaking at the event, former Ogun State Governor, Aremu Olusegun Osoba, commended Governor Fubara and other award recipients for their contributions to national development.

Earlier, the Chairman and Publisher of New Telegraph, Orji Uzor Kalu, said the awards were conferred strictly on merit, stressing that recipients were selected based on tangible contributions to national development rather than partisan considerations.

Kalu explained that the recognition was intended to encourage awardees to deepen their service to humanity and continue contributing to Nigeria’s advancement.

Governor Fubara was accompanied to the event by a large delegation of Rivers elders, leaders, stakeholders and supporters.