Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dedicated his recent “Man of the Year” award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as a defining figure in his political journey and public service career.

Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony in Port Harcourt at the weekend, Governor Fubara said the honour was not a personal triumph but, a reflection of the political foundation laid by Wike during his years as Governor of Rivers State.

According to him, “Wike’s mentorship, leadership style, and insistence on courage in governance’ helped shape his own approach to leadership and service delivery.

“This award belongs to the man who believed in me and gave me the platform to serve,” Fubara adding that, “Without the opportunities, guidance, and political structure built by His Excellency Nyesom Wike, I would not be standing here today. Whatever recognition I receive is a product of that foundation.”

The governor, who has in recent months faced intense political pressure in the state, said the dedication was also a reminder that loyalty and gratitude remain core values in leadership.

He urged public office holders to always remember those who supported them in their rise, adding that governance should be driven by unity rather than division.

In his reaction, Wike thanked Fubara for the gesture, saying the award was a motivation to continue contributing to national development.

He advised the governor to remain focused on delivering democratic dividends to Rivers people and to rise above political distractions.

The event, attended by party leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society representatives, ended with renewed calls for reconciliation among political actors in Rivers State, as stakeholders urged both leaders to sustain peace and stability for the progress of the state.