Fubara Defines Strategic ‘Weakness’ in Rivers Feud

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has offered a candid insight into his high-stakes political confrontation with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, explaining that his seemingly submissive approach is a calculated strategy rather than a lack of fortitude. Speaking at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos on Friday, where he was honored as Man of the Year, Fubara maintained that choosing to appear “weak” is a deliberate move designed to preserve peace, ensure political survival, and safeguard broader national interests.

Addressing the prolonged political turmoil that has severely disrupted governance in Rivers State, Fubara acknowledged that his calm and non-aggressive posture has frequently been misinterpreted by observers as a lack of resolve. However, the governor emphasized that these choices are intentional, guided by a steadfast desire to maintain stability in a state historically prone to electoral volatility.

“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,” Fubara explained during his acceptance speech. He justified this approach by emphasizing that his priority is to avoid a breakdown of law and order, asserting, “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.”

Fubara further categorized this strategic restraint as a deliberate political virtue, implying that it is a tactical sacrifice meant to yield positive results at the appropriate time. “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time,” he stated, signaling that his non-confrontational stance is aimed at long-term stabilization rather than short-term victory.

The feud between Fubara and Wike, which has deeply polarized the Rivers State House of Assembly and led to threats of impeachment, has necessitated multiple interventions by President Bola Tinubu. Despite the ongoing tension, Fubara used the occasion to pay homage to Wike, publicly dedicating the award to his political benefactor. “Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor. He discovered me and it’s a discovery that gave me this loudness,” Fubara acknowledged, highlighting the complex personal dynamics driving the political crisis.