Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said he chose to appear “weak” amid the ongoing political crisis in his state as a deliberate approach aimed at maintaining peace, a statement published on Saturday said.

Fubara made the remarks 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, according to the report.

In his acceptance speech, the governor acknowledged that his supporters have endured what he described as “special pain” for their belief and encouraged them to remain steadfast.

He said his calm and non-aggressive posture amid the political turbulence in Rivers State was intentional and strategic.

Fubara said, “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.”

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

He also said to the audience, “Continue to believe in what you believe in. Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”

The award was presented by veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, supported by the Chairman of the Board of New Telegraph, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, according to the report.