Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has offered a poignant defence of his measured approach to the protracted political crisis involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, describing his perceived “weakness” as a deliberate instrument of peace.
The Governor made these remarks on Friday evening during his acceptance speech at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos, where he was honoured as the “Man of the Year.” The event provided a platform for an emotional reflection on the personal and political costs of the ongoing power struggle in the oil-rich state.
Addressing an audience of dignitaries and media executives, Governor Fubara acknowledged that his refusal to engage in aggressive political combat has been widely misinterpreted by critics and observers alike. He noted that while some have lauded his composure, others have branded his reluctance to retaliate as a sign of frailty.
“Today for me is a very special day,” the Governor began. “And also special for everyone who has believed in me; I know for believing in me, you have had a share of special pain. Some persons described these pains as weakness, while others see it as being strong, but I chose for a lot of reasons to be weak.”
Governor Fubara clarified that his stoic posture was not born of incapacity, but was a calculated sacrifice aimed at political survival and the preservation of national stability. He suggested that as a leader of a state central to Nigeria’s economic health, any unchecked escalation of hostilities could have dire consequences beyond the borders of Rivers State.
“Weak, because I want peace,” the Governor explained. “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.”
In a statement that added a philosophical dimension to his governance style, he asserted that “weakness is a virtue,” adding that such a disposition “pays at the right time.”
The Governor’s remarks come amidst renewed efforts by the Presidency to broker a permanent truce between his administration and the lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister. His speech hinted at the immense pressure placed on his supporters, whom he thanked for enduring the “special pain” associated with the political turbulence.
Analysts suggest that by framing his restraint as a virtuous choice, Governor Fubara is positioning himself as a statesman prioritising the welfare of the citizenry over the egos of the political class. The Lagos declaration is expected to reset the narrative surrounding the Rivers State crisis as the nation observes whether this “virtue” leads to a sustainable resolution.
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