Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday launched a scathing rebuttal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that the same political forces the governor recently derided as “barking dogs” were instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Wike spoke during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, where he told a large crowd that political realignments in Rivers State were fostering unity and dismantling long-standing divisions, declaring that there were no longer “no-go areas” in the state’s politics.
His remarks came as the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress publicly announced its decision to withdraw support for Governor Fubara and align with Wike.
Responding directly to comments attributed to Fubara, Wike said: “That same dog barked and helped make you governor. When people did not even know who the person was, that same dog was barking and made him governor immediately. It is fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck.” The former Rivers governor said the political atmosphere in the state had shifted significantly, with erstwhile rivals now closing ranks around a shared purpose that transcended party lines. “I believe in you, and that belief will take you places. We used to have problems, but today everyone is working together. This is not about party; it is about the real Hope family. We are correcting the mistake we made last time,” he said. Wike dismissed claims that his political camp lacked electoral strength, arguing that success in politics depended on organisation and mobilisation rather than pessimistic projections.
“Some people say we can only deliver two to ten per cent. What is political advantage? When the time comes, you will see total mobilisation,” he added.
Defending himself against personal attacks, Wike described criticisms of his academic and political credentials as the refuge of political actors who lacked electoral relevance.
“Someone once said the Minister of the FCT is semi-illiterate. That same person dropped out of university. I studied Law, went to Law School and today I am a Life Bencher and a recipient of the national honour of CON. That same person does not know how to win elections,” he said.
He also rejected allegations that he orchestrated legal or political troubles for opponents, noting that some of the cases cited predated any influence attributed to him.
Explaining the purpose of his visit to Okrika, Wike said he came to appreciate loyalty and reaffirm ties with supporters, warning that money alone could not guarantee political victory.
“Money cannot solve all problems. Shouting about mandate will not automatically give you victory,” he said, thanking the people for reclaiming their local council and assuring women and community leaders of continued partnership.
The political undertone of the visit deepened when the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress formally declared its support for Wike. Its chairman, Senator George Sekibo, described the feud between Wike and Fubara as unfortunate but said the Ijaw people were not ungrateful.
He recalled that Wike supported Fubara’s emergence as governor and enjoyed widespread backing across the state.
“Ijaw people are grateful people. That is why we have abandoned him and decided to follow you. You have done so much for Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do is what we will do,” Sekibo said. He pledged the group’s loyalty to Wike and President Bola Tinubu, adding that the Ijaw people would stand by the minister because of his consistent support for them.
Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Akuro Tobin, described Wike as his political godfather, while the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, speaking on behalf of Okrika women, praised the minister’s support for women and prayed for his continued success.
In his closing remarks, Wike thanked the people for standing with President Tinubu, whom he described as a leader who keeps his promises, and urged them to continue supporting leaders of proven character.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, commending the monarch for promoting unity and hinting that decisions concerning the 2027 elections had already been taken, with details to be communicated in due course.
However, he appealed to the traditional ruler to refrain from partisan politics while offering guidance when necessary, saying: “It will not be business as usual. Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle.”