Fubara Explains ‘Weakness’ Strategy in Rivers Political Crisis, Says It Was Deliberate for Peace and Survival
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has clarified why he chose what some critics labelled as “weakness” in his political standoff with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The governor said the approach was neither accidental nor borne out of fear, but a calculated strategy designed to preserve peace in Rivers State, secure political survival, and protect wider national interests amid ongoing political tension.
Fubara made the disclosure on Friday in Lagos while receiving a Man of the Year honour at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night, where he reflected on leadership pressures and the prolonged Rivers political crisis.
During his acceptance speech, the governor offered an emotional assessment of the political strain that has shaped governance in the oil-rich state, as well as his efforts at reconciliation.
“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,”
he stated.
PulseNets learned that the governor acknowledged the depth of political divisions in Rivers State, noting that his method of handling the face-off with Wike had been widely misunderstood.
He maintained that his decisions were intentional and strategically guided, with stability and public interest at the forefront.
“Some of these pains, some persons described 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,”
the governor told the audience.
PulseNets reported that Fubara’s remarks are expected to further shape political discourse around the Rivers State crisis and his evolving relationship with Wike, a development that continues to draw national attention.
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In what many observers interpret as a defining statement on his leadership philosophy, the governor added:
“weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
His comments come amid sustained public scrutiny over the political power struggle in Rivers State, positioning his strategy as one rooted in calculated restraint rather than capitulation.
