The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, claiming that the same political forces now derided as “barking dogs” played a key role in Fubara’s rise to power.
Wike made the remarks during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, as the Rivers State chapter of the Ijaw People’s Congress publicly withdrew its support for Governor Fubara and aligned with the minister.
“That same dog that is barking now helped make you governor,” Wike said. “It is one of fate that it is barking again. I wish you good luck.”
The FCT minister added that political alliances in Rivers State were shifting, insisting that former rivals were now working together and that there were no longer “no-go areas” in state politics.
“We are not talking about party here; we are talking about the real Hope family,” Wike said, urging supporters to focus on organisation and mobilisation rather than relying on money or assumptions of automatic victory.
Defending his academic and political record, Wike dismissed personal attacks, noting his law degree, Law School qualification, Life Bencher status, and national honour of CON, while highlighting the electoral failures of his critics.
The visit also featured expressions of support from key stakeholders. Senator George Sekibo, chairman of the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, pledged loyalty to Wike and President Bola Tinubu, citing the minister’s contributions to the Ijaw community. Okrika Local Government Chairman Akuro Tobin described Wike as his political godfather, while Deputy Speaker Linda Stewart praised his support for women.
Wike also met with the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, commending the monarch for fostering unity and asking him to avoid direct involvement in partisan politics. The minister hinted that decisions regarding the 2027 elections had been made but would be revealed in due course.
