- Wike slams Fubara over remarks describing political allies as “barking dogs”
- Former allies in Rivers politics now shifting loyalty back to Wike
- Ijaw People’s Congress withdraws support for Governor Fubara
- Wike insists organisation, not money, wins elections
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has slammed Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the same political group the governor now dismisses as “barking dogs” was instrumental in his rise to power. Wike made the remarks during a visit to Okrika Local Government Area, as political tension continues to deepen in Rivers State.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, spoke during a thank-you visit to Okrika, where he openly criticised comments attributed to Governor Fubara regarding political supporters.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Responding sharply, Wike said the governor owed his emergence to the same forces he now ridicules.
“That same dog barked and helped make you governor.
When people did not even know you, that dog was barking for you,” Wike said.
“It is fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck.”
The event took a political turn when the Rivers State chapter of the Ijaw People’s Congress publicly announced its decision to withdraw support for Governor Fubara and align with Wike.
Addressing the crowd, Wike said political boundaries in the state were shifting and former rivals were now united.
“We used to have problems, but today everyone is working together.
That means there are no longer any no-go areas in Rivers politics,” he said.
He stressed that his political movement was not about party loyalty but collective strength, promising that past political mistakes would not be repeated.
Wike dismissed claims that his political base lacked influence, arguing that elections are won through mobilisation, not speculation.
“Some people say we can only deliver two to ten per cent.
What is political advantage? Organisation and mobilisation win elections,” he said.
The FCT minister also responded to personal attacks on his character and education, defending his credentials.
“Someone called me semi-illiterate.
I studied Law, went to Law School, became a Life Bencher and earned a national honour,” he said.
He added that many of his critics lacked electoral success, noting that while some repeatedly lost elections, he had contested and won major polls.
Reacting to allegations linking him to legal troubles faced by political opponents, Wike denied any involvement.
“Some of these cases started long before now.
How can everything suddenly be blamed on me?” he asked.
READ ALSO: Trump Announces Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro After US Airstrikes on Caracas
Explaining his visit to Okrika, Wike said it was to appreciate loyalty and remind supporters that money alone does not guarantee victory.
“Money cannot solve all political problems,” he warned.
The political message grew stronger when Ijaw People’s Congress chairman, Senator George Sekibo, pledged the group’s loyalty to Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
“Ijaw people are grateful people.
That is why we have abandoned him and chosen to follow you,” Sekibo said.
Other speakers, including Okrika council chairman Akuro Tobin and Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Linda Stewart, praised Wike for supporting the area and empowering women.
In his closing remarks, Wike thanked the people for supporting President Tinubu and hinted that decisions concerning the 2027 elections had already been made.
He later paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, urging traditional rulers to stay out of partisan politics while maintaining unity among their people.
