Fubara acknowledges Wike for discovering him at New Telegraph award

…Thanks loyalists for continued support, endurance

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for discovering and supporting him.

The governor has also extended his commendation to his supporters and urged them to continue to believe in him despite the current political situation in the state.

Governor Fubara expressed this on  Friday night while receiving the Man of the Year 2025 award from New Telegraph at a ceremony held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Addressing the audience, the governor acknowledged that those who stood by him had endured what he described as “special pain,” but encouraged them to remain steadfast.

“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 said.

Dedicating the award to God, his family, Rivers people and Wike, whom he acknowledged for discovering and supporting him, the governor explained that his calm and non-aggressive disposition amid the political turbulence in Rivers State was deliberate and strategic.

Fubara stated: “I chose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak because I want peace. Weak because I need to also protect those things that are dear not just to me, but to our dear nation.”

The governor described the perceived weakness as a virtue that would yield results at the right time and reiterated his call for continued support.

“Continue to believe in what you believe in. Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time,” he added.

Veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, presented the award, supported by the Chairman of the Board of New Telegraph, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.

The Rivers State Governor mounted the stage accompanied by a retinue of elders from the state and immediate past members of the State Executive Council, drawing loud applause from the audience.