The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to a comment made by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, further highlighting the deepening rift between the two former allies.
Governor Fubara, who was widely regarded as Wike’s political protégé before their fallout, had made the remark during a New Year banquet held on Thursday. In what was seen as a veiled reference to the renewed hostility between them, Fubara asked, “If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?” The statement was interpreted by many political observers as a subtle jab at Wike, amid ongoing tensions over political control and loyalty in Rivers State.
However, Wike did not let the comment pass without response. Speaking on Friday while addressing supporters in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), the former Rivers governor dismissed the remark and claimed credit for Fubara’s rise to power.
According to Wike, the “dog” being referred to was instrumental in making Fubara governor in the first place. He said the same political force that supported Fubara when others were unwilling to do so should not be underestimated.
“This dog that’s barking now barked even when Rivers people didn’t know who the person was,” Wike said. “The dog that barked made the person governor when others ran away. He should not be afraid that the same dog is barking now. I wish him good luck.”
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Wike’s comments underscore the bitter tone that has come to characterise the relationship between the two men, who were once close political allies. Their feud has split the political landscape in Rivers State, with lawmakers, party leaders and supporters aligning themselves with either camp.
The FCT minister also used the occasion to reiterate his political stance ahead of future elections, declaring his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We have decided to go for Asiwaju Tinubu. There is no discussion about that,” Wike said, adding that lessons had been learnt from past political decisions.
“We won’t make the mistake we made last time. We would correct the mistake,” he added, without giving specific details.
Wike further criticised political figures he claimed had previously worked for former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar but failed to deliver electoral results. Referring to Fubara’s reported comments about such figures returning to prominence, Wike said they could not secure even 10 per cent of the vote for Atiku.
“I won’t call their names, but you all know them,” he said.
The exchange has fuelled speculation about the future of Rivers State politics and the long-term implications of the Wike–Fubara power struggle, which continues to dominate political discourse in the state.
