Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday launched a blistering counterattack on 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.
The confrontation came on a day the Ijaw People’s Congress in Rivers State publicly withdrew its support for Governor Fubara and declared loyalty to Wike.
Speaking during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, Wike told a large crowd that political divisions in Rivers State were steadily giving way to unity, stressing that there were no longer any “no-go areas” in the state’s politics.
In a direct response to remarks attributed to Fubara, the former Rivers governor 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.”
Wike maintained that the political atmosphere in Rivers had changed significantly, saying that former rivals were now closing ranks around a shared purpose that transcends party lines.
According to him, “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.”
He dismissed claims that his camp lacked electoral strength, arguing that real political advantage rests on structure, organisation, and mobilisation—not on pessimistic forecasts.
“Some people say, ‘They can only deliver two to ten per cent.’ So what is political advantage?” he asked, adding that his supporters would ensure full mobilisation when the time comes.
Responding to personal attacks, the FCT minister defended his academic and political qualifications, describing the criticisms as the last resort of politicians who lack electoral relevance.
He also rejected allegations that he engineered the legal and political challenges facing some opponents, pointing out that several of the cases being cited predated any influence now ascribed to 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?” Wike queried.
