A word critics turned against him
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has embraced a term often used by his detractors, declaring that what some describe as “weakness” was a deliberate choice for peace.
Speaking while receiving a Man of the Year award in Lagos, Fubara said his approach to prolonged political tensions in Rivers State had been guided by survival and stability rather than confrontation.
“Some describe it as weakness, others as strength, but I chose to be weak because I want peace,” he said.
Survival over spectacle
The governor argued that restraint was necessary to protect not only his office but broader state interests.
“Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I need to protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” Fubara stated, suggesting that escalation would have carried heavier consequences.
His remarks come after months of political turbulence that followed his assumption of office in May 2023, marked by divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly and impeachment threats.
A dedication that shifts the tone
In a move likely to influence political interpretations, Fubara dedicated the award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“I dedicate this award to somebody who discovered me… the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike,” he said, adding that Wike’s political mentorship amplified his public visibility.
The gesture follows recent mediation efforts reportedly led by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at resolving tensions between the two leaders.
Reconciliation without public rupture
Observers have noted recent signs of easing friction, including public acknowledgements by both men during project inspections and official engagements.
While no formal political settlement has been publicly detailed, the tone of remarks from both camps has softened, signalling a potential recalibration rather than outright confrontation.
Political analysts suggest that stabilising Rivers State governance is critical given its economic significance and strategic position in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
Peace has a political cost
Choosing restraint in high-stakes political disputes can invite criticism from supporters who equate assertiveness with strength.
However, prolonged institutional conflict carries risks — legislative paralysis, governance slowdown and economic uncertainty.
Fubara’s framing of “weakness” as strategic patience signals an attempt to reset the narrative in Rivers politics. Whether that recalibration holds will shape the state’s political trajectory ahead of future electoral cycles.
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