‘The same barking dog made you governor’ — Wike fires back at Fubara

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday launched a sharp rebuttal against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that the same political forces now derided as “barking dogs” played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor.

Wike’s remarks came as the Rivers State chapter of the Ijaw People’s Congress publicly announced its decision to withdraw support from Governor Fubara and align with the former Rivers governor.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, Wike told a large gathering that political divisions in Rivers State were gradually giving way to unity, stressing that there were no longer “no-go areas” in the state’s political landscape.

Reacting directly to comments attributed to Fubara, Wike said:
“That same dog barked and helped make you governor.

“This dog that is barking now, was barking when people did not even know who the person was. That same dog barked and helped make the person governor immediately.

“It is one of fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck.”

He added that the political atmosphere in Rivers had changed, with former adversaries now working together around a shared goal that transcended party lines.

“I believe in you, and that belief will take you places. We used to have some problems, but today everyone is working together. That means there is no longer any no-go area. We are not talking about party here; we are talking about the real Hope family. All of us have decided that we are going to work together. We will not make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct that mistake,” Wike said.

Dismissing claims that his political camp lacked electoral strength, the FCT minister argued that political success depended on organisation and mobilisation rather than pessimistic calculations.

“Some people say, ‘They can only deliver two to ten per cent.’ So what is political advantage?” he asked, assuring that his supporters would fully mobilise when it mattered.

Responding to personal criticisms, Wike defended his academic and political record, describing such attacks as tactics used by politicians without electoral relevance.

“Someone who was once a senator said the Minister of the FCT is semi-illiterate. Yet that same person dropped out of university. I went to university, studied Law, went to Law School and today I am a Life Bencher. I hold the national honour of CON. That same man does not know how to win elections,” he said, noting that while some critics repeatedly lost elections, he had contested and won major polls twice.

Wike also rejected claims that he orchestrated legal or political troubles for opponents, pointing out that some of the cases cited predated any alleged influence from him.

“In 2016, he refused the EFCC and was prosecuted. Was that also me? He escaped prison because of immunity. How come now, when you have the same problem, you are saying it is me who is masterminding it?” he asked.

Explaining his visit to Okrika, Wike said it was meant to appreciate loyalty and reaffirm ties with supporters, cautioning against the belief that money alone guaranteed electoral victory.

“Money cannot solve all problems. Whoever is assuring you that shouting about your mandate will automatically give you victory is not correct,” he said, while thanking the people for reclaiming their local council and assuring women and community leaders of continued partnership.

The political undertone of the event deepened when the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress formally declared its decision to abandon Governor Fubara and support Wike.

Chairman of the congress, Senator George Sekibo, announced the decision, describing the rift between Wike and Fubara as “very unfortunate” but emphasising that the Ijaw people were not ungrateful.

“Please don’t look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people. That is why we abandoned him and said we will 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, noting that the Ijaw people would not abandon the minister because of his consistent support for them.

Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Akuro Tobin, described Wike as his political godfather, saying the minister had helped many sons and daughters of the area secure elective and appointive positions. Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, speaking on behalf of Okrika women, said Wike’s support for women was unprecedented 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 continued support for individuals of proven character.

He also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, praising the monarch for promoting unity and hinting that decisions had already been taken regarding the 2027 elections, with details to be revealed later.

However, he appealed to the traditional ruler to refrain from direct political involvement and instead offer guidance when necessary.
“It is not going to be business as usual. Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle,” Wike said.

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