Port Harcourt, Rivers State – February 14, 2026 — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly acknowledged that he would not have become governor without the support and political backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, despite the well-documented rift between the two leaders.
The governor made the candid admission on Friday while receiving the prestigious Man of the Year Award from New Telegraph newspaper at a ceremony in Port Harcourt. In a speech that surprised many observers given the ongoing political tension in the state, Fubara dedicated the award to Wike, describing him as the person who “discovered” him and provided the platform that launched his governorship.
“I don’t care how it is interpreted or misinterpreted. I dedicate this award to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, my oga, Nyesom Wike,” Fubara declared to applause from the audience. “Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor. He discovered me, and that discovery gave me the voice I have today. Thank you for everything.”
The governor further explained that Wike’s decision to identify and support him had brought him into political prominence and shaped his journey to the Rivers State Government House. He also dedicated the award to the people of Rivers State, praising their “support, calmness and maturity” throughout the turbulent period that has characterised his administration.
The remarks come at a time when the relationship between Fubara and his predecessor-turned-FCT Minister has remained strained, marked by factionalisation in the state House of Assembly, multiple court cases, accusations of interference, and a prolonged power tussle that has dominated Rivers politics since 2023.
Despite the public feud—which has seen Wike openly criticise aspects of Fubara’s leadership and align with a faction opposed to the governor—the governor’s statement reflects a rare moment of gratitude and recognition of Wike’s decisive role in handpicking him as the 2023 governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Political analysts view Fubara’s comments as strategic, aimed at de-escalating tension, appealing to Wike’s supporters within the state, and projecting maturity amid ongoing reconciliation efforts. Others interpret it as an olive branch extended at a time when both men face pressure from party elders, federal stakeholders, and Rivers indigenes to resolve the crisis before the 2027 elections.
The award from New Telegraph recognises Fubara’s resilience, administrative focus on infrastructure, payment of workers’ entitlements, and efforts to attract investment despite the political distractions that have plagued his tenure.
In his acceptance speech, the governor reiterated his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to Rivers people, stressing that his administration remains focused on development, security, and good governance regardless of distractions.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, party leaders, business executives, and members of the media. No representative of the Minister of the FCT was visibly present, though sources close to Wike have not yet commented on the governor’s remarks.
The public dedication has already generated widespread reactions on social media and in political circles, with some hailing Fubara for his humility and maturity, while others see it as a tactical move in the complex chess game of Rivers politics.
As Rivers State continues to navigate its internal divisions, Governor Fubara’s gesture of appreciation toward his former political godfather may open the door to renewed dialogue—or at least signal a willingness to acknowledge shared history amid differences.
