Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has replied Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying the same political forces now being derided were instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Wike who spoke during a visit to Okrika local government area of the state yesterday said internal divisions in the state had given way to unity, insisting that there are no longer “no-go areas” in Rivers politics.
“That same dog barked and helped make you governor,” Wike said, in an apparent response to recent remarks credited to Fubara.
“This dog that is barking now was barking when people did not even know who the person was. That same dog barked and helped make the person governor immediately. It is one of fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck,” he said.
The former Rivers governor told the Okrika crowd that political rivalries in the state were gradually dissolving as stakeholders closed ranks around a common cause.
“I believe in you, and that belief will take you places,” he said. “We used to have some problems, but today everyone is working together. That means there is no longer any no-go area,” he said.
Wike stressed that the new alignment transcends party politics, describing it as a collective resolve anchored on shared interests rather than partisan labels.
“We are not talking about party here; we are talking about the real Hope family. All of us have decided that we are going to work together.
“There is no discussion about that. We will not make the mistake we made last time.
We are here to correct that mistake,” he explained.
The FCT minister also dismissed claims that his political camp lacked electoral strength, saying political advantage is not measured by pessimistic projections but by organisation and total mobilisation.
“Some people say, ‘They can only deliver two to ten per cent.’ So what is political advantage?” he asked. “We will do all we can to ensure we give the total support required,” he said.
Reacting to personal attacks against him, Wike defended his academic background and political credentials, describing such criticisms as the resort of political actors who lack electoral relevance.
“Someone who was once a senator said the Minister of the FCT is semi-illiterate,” he said. “Yet that same person dropped out of university.
“I went to university, studied Law, went to Law School and today I am a Life Bencher. I hold the national honour of CON. That same man does not know how to win elections,” he said.
He contrasted his own political trajectory with that of his critics, recalling their electoral failures.
“He contested for the chairmanship of volleyball and failed. He sabotaged the party and the party lost at the tribunal. But I contested and won twice,” Wike said.
The minister further highlighted his record in public office, from party leadership to commissioner, governor and now FCT minister, insisting that his performance remains verifiable.
“As Minister of the FCT today, anybody can go and check the records. When people cannot do what you are doing, they start calling you names. I am not worried about that,” he said.
Wike also dismissed allegations that he masterminds legal or political troubles for opponents, recalling that past prosecutions predated any alleged influence from him.
“In 2016, he refused the EFCC and was prosecuted. Was that also me? He escaped prison because of immunity. How come now, when you have the same problem, you are saying it is me who is masterminding it?” he asked
Explaining the purpose of his visit to Okrika, Wike said it was primarily to appreciate loyalty and reaffirm his political bond with supporters.
“I came to say thank you,” he said. “This is my endorsement. I know you will never abandon me,” he said.
He warned against the assumption that financial power alone could secure political victory, stressing that leadership and consistency are decisive.
Wike further explained that, “Money cannot solve all problems. Whoever is assuring you that shouting about your mandate will automatically give you victory is not correct.”
The minister thanked the people of Okrika for reclaiming their local council and urged leaders to embrace inclusive governance and engagement.
He also commended women in the area for their support, assuring them of continued partnership.
He noted that, “We will not take your support for granted. If there are problems, we will come back to you. But for now, we have no problems.”
