The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a stinging counterattack against his estranged political protégé, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following the latter’s recent comments comparing political opponents to barking dogs.
The Trigger
Governor Fubara had stirred the pot during a New Year banquet on Thursday, making a veiled reference to the Minister by asking, “if you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?” This remark was widely interpreted as a response to the rekindled political hostility in Rivers State.
Wike’s Response
Reacting swiftly while addressing the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) on Friday, Wike reminded the governor that this same “barking dog” was instrumental in his rise to power. He pointed out that his influence was what installed Fubara when he was relatively unknown.
He stated:
“This dog that’s barking now barked, even when Rivers people didn’t know who the person was and the dog that barked made the person to be governor when others ran away and he’s not afraid that the same dog now is barking. I wish him goodluck.
“We have decided to for Asiwaju Tinubu. There’s no discussion about that, but there’s one we must take a decision. We won’t make the mistake we made last time. We would correct the mistake.
“I heard him say those who worked with Atiku are back. They couldn’t give Atiku 10%. So, what is the political advantage. I won’t call their names, but you all know them”.
Correcting “Mistakes”
Wike also hinted at future political realignments, stating that while support for President Tinubu remains non-negotiable, steps will be taken to “correct the mistake” made previously in state politics. He dismissed Fubara’s new alliances with former Atiku supporters, mocking their lack of political value.