The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, declaring that the same political forces now being mocked were responsible for his emergence as governor.
Wike spoke on Saturday during his thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he said political divisions in the state were gradually giving way to unity.
“That same dog barked and helped make you governor,” Wike said, in a sharp response to comments credited to Fubara. “This dog barked when people did not even know who you were. Today, fate has made the same dog bark again. I wish you good luck.”
The former Rivers governor insisted that Rivers politics has moved beyond exclusion, stressing that there are no longer “no-go areas” in the state.
“I believe in you, and that belief will take you places,” he told the crowd. “We used to have problems, but today everybody is working together. That means there is no more no-go area.”
Wike said the new political alignment in the state cuts across party lines, adding that it is driven by collective interest rather than party labels.
“We are not talking about party here; we are talking about the real Hope family,” he said. “All of us have agreed to work together. We will not repeat the mistake of the past.”
Dismissing claims that his political camp lacks electoral strength, Wike said political advantage is about structure and mobilisation, not guesswork.
“Some people say we can only deliver two to ten per cent. So what is political advantage?” he asked. “We will do everything possible to deliver total support.”
The FCT minister also fired back at critics who questioned his educational and political credentials, describing such attacks as cheap blackmail.
“Someone once called me semi-illiterate,” he said. “I studied Law, went to Law School and today I am a Life Bencher with a national honour. Those who cannot win elections resort to insults.”
He recalled his political journey, noting that while some critics failed repeatedly at the polls, he won elections and rose through party leadership, commissioner, governor and now FCT minister.
“When people cannot do what you are doing, they start calling you names,” Wike said. “I am not bothered.”
Explaining the purpose of his visit, Wike said he was in Okrika to thank the people for their support and to reaffirm his bond with them.
“I came to say thank you. This is my endorsement. I know you will not abandon me,” he said.
He warned politicians against relying on money alone to win elections, stressing that leadership and consistency matter.
“Money cannot solve all problems. Shouting about mandate does not automatically give victory,” Wike said.
Wike commended the people of Okrika, especially women, for their support, assuring them that their loyalty would not be taken for granted.
