Dare Babalola
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday night dedicated his Man of the Year award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking while receiving his award at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos, the embattled governor declared that his decision to embrace what critics describe as “weakness” was driven by the need for peace and survival.
“Today for me is a very special day, and also special for everyone who has believed in me, and I know for believing in me, you have a share of special pain,” the governor said.
He addressed the prolonged political tensions that have defined Rivers State’s governance landscape, stressing that his approach had often been misunderstood.
“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.
In a remark likely to stir political conversations, the governor added, “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
Fubara expressed gratitude to his family and the people of Rivers State for what he described as their patience and maturity amid months of political uncertainty.
“To the wonderful people of Rivers State that have shown support, shown quietness, shown maturity that has brought us this far,” he said.
He then made a direct and symbolic dedication of the award to Wike, his predecessor and political benefactor.
“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,” Fubara stated.
