Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to a recent remark made by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the lingering political tension between both men.
Governor Fubara had earlier sparked reactions at a New Year banquet when he said, “If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?” The comment was widely interpreted as a swipe at Wike, following renewed hostility between the former allies.
Reacting on Friday while addressing supporters in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA), Wike dismissed the remark and turned it back on the governor. He said the same “barking dog” Fubara referred to was responsible for his emergence as governor in the first place.
According to Wike, when others stepped aside, he stood firm and ensured Fubara became governor, adding that he was not intimidated by the current situation. He said he wished the governor well but made it clear he had no regrets about speaking his mind.
Wike also reaffirmed his political loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stressing that there was no debate about that decision. However, he hinted that lessons had been learned from past political choices and that future decisions would be handled differently.
He further took a swipe at political figures who previously worked with Atiku Abubakar, questioning their relevance and influence after failing to deliver significant electoral support.
The exchange has further highlighted the deepening rift between the two Rivers State power brokers, a feud that continues to shape the state’s political atmosphere.
