Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dedicated his New Telegraph Man of the Year award to his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike, acknowledging him as the figure who “discovered” and elevated him to the governorship. The emotional tribute came during the New Telegraph Awards/Dinner Night held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos on February 13, 2026.
In his acceptance speech, Fubara reflected on months of political turbulence in Rivers State, addressing criticisms that had portrayed him as weak. He argued that his approach was deliberate, describing restraint as a conscious strategy to preserve peace, ensure political survival, and protect national interests.
“Some describe it as weakness, others as strength, but I chose to be weak,” the governor said. “Weak because I want peace. Weak because we need to survive. Weak because I must protect what is dear not just to me, but to our nation.” He added pointedly that “weakness is a virtue” that pays off at the right time.
Fubara extended gratitude to his family, supporters, and the people of Rivers State for what he described as their maturity and quiet resilience during challenging moments. He acknowledged that many of his loyalists shared in the “special pain” that accompanied the political crisis.
In remarks that have stirred fresh political debate, Fubara openly dedicated the award to Wike, stating that without the FCT Minister’s support and political backing, he would not be standing as governor. The statement is widely interpreted as a signal of further thawing in relations between the two leaders after months of tension.
The development follows recent reconciliation efforts reportedly facilitated by Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Fubara’s recent public reference to Wike as “My Oga” during the inspection of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project has further reinforced the tone of rapprochement, suggesting a recalibration of political alliances in Rivers State.
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