The political crisis in Rivers State took a sharper turn over the weekend as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, replied Governor Siminalayi Fubara over a comment many saw as a swipe at him. Wike said the same “barking dog” Governor Fubara referred to was the reason he became governor in the first place.
Governor Fubara made the comment during a New Year banquet held on Thursday in Port Harcourt. While speaking at the event, the governor said, “If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?” Though he did not mention names, the statement was widely interpreted as a message to Wike, his former political mentor, with whom he has been locked in a bitter political battle.
The relationship between Wike and Fubara has broken down in recent months, leading to a major political crisis in Rivers State. The crisis has affected the State House of Assembly, governance, and party structures, and has drawn national attention.
Reacting on Friday while addressing supporters in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Wike dismissed Fubara’s comment and said he was not bothered by it. He insisted that his political support was what brought Fubara to power.
Wike said, “This dog that’s barking now barked even when Rivers people didn’t know who the person was. The dog that barked made the person to be governor when others ran away. I’m not afraid that the same dog is now barking. I wish him good luck.”
The former Rivers governor also used the opportunity to speak on national politics and his political choices ahead of future elections. He restated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he referred to as “Asiwaju.”
“We have decided to support Asiwaju Tinubu. There’s no discussion about that,” Wike said. “But there is one decision we must take. We won’t make the mistake we made last time. We will correct the mistake.”
Though Wike did not explain what mistake he was referring to, many observers believe he was talking about political alliances and decisions made during the 2023 general elections.
Wike also responded to claims that politicians who worked against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 election had returned to Rivers politics. Governor Fubara had earlier suggested that such figures were back in the political space.
“I heard him say those who worked with Atiku are back,” Wike said. “They couldn’t give Atiku 10 per cent. So what is the political advantage? I won’t call their names, but you all know them.”
Siminalayi Fubara became governor of Rivers State in May 2023 after winning the governorship election under the platform of the PDP. His emergence was strongly backed by Wike, who was then completing his second term as governor of the state.
At the time, Wike was one of the most powerful governors in the country and a major force within the PDP. He openly supported Fubara against other aspirants and ensured the party structure in Rivers stood firmly behind him.
However, shortly after Fubara assumed office, cracks began to appear in their relationship. Reports of disagreements over control of the party, appointments, and the state legislature soon emerged. These disagreements later grew into an open political battle.
The crisis reached a peak in late 2023 when divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly led to parallel sittings and legal disputes. The situation raised concerns about governance and stability in the oil-rich state.
President Bola Tinubu later intervened, calling both sides to Abuja in an attempt to restore peace. Although a peace agreement was announced, tensions have remained high, with both camps continuing to trade words and political moves.
In Nigerian politics, statements are often made using proverbs and indirect language. Governor Fubara’s “dog” comment was seen by many as a way of saying he does not need public attacks or loud criticism from Wike to prove his authority as governor.
Wike’s reply shows that he took the comment personally and decided to respond in equally strong terms. By saying the “barking dog” made Fubara governor, Wike was reminding the public of his role in Fubara’s political rise.
Wike’s comments about supporting President Tinubu are also significant. Wike, though a PDP member, openly supported Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election. His decision caused a major split within the PDP and was seen as a key factor in Tinubu’s performance in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, on the other hand, is seen as trying to rebuild the PDP structure in Rivers without Wike’s influence. This has further deepened the political divide.
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most politically important states due to its population, economic strength, and oil resources. Any major political conflict in the state often has effects beyond its borders.
As both men continue to speak out, many residents of Rivers State are worried about the impact of the crisis on development and governance. Civil society groups and elders have repeatedly called for peace, urging both leaders to put the interests of the state above personal disagreements.