Tensions between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his estranged protégé, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have returned to a boiling point as the two engage in a fresh war of words.
The latest friction was ignited on Friday, December 2, when Wike fired back at the Governor over a “barking dog” metaphor used just a day earlier.
Speaking at a New Year banquet on Thursday, December 1, Fubara had subtly targeted the Minister, asking the audience: “If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?”
However, Wike wasted no time in responding.
While addressing the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) on Friday, the Minister retorted that it was that very “barking dog” that paved the way for Fubara to become governor.
He said: “This dog that’s barking now barked, even when Rivers people did not know who the person was and the dog that barked made the person to be governor when others ran away and he is not afraid that the same dog now is barking. I wish him goodluck.
“We have decided to for Asiwaju Tinubu. There is no discussion about that, but there is 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.”
Persecondnews recalls that the Wike-Fubara feud has evolved from a political disagreement into a full-scale constitutional crisis. Here is a summary of the key events:
Late 2023: Friction begins as Gov. Fubara attempts to move out of Wike’s political shadow by purging Wike-appointed officials.
October 2023: An impeachment attempt against Fubara leads to the firebombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
December 2023: 27 lawmakers defect to the APC, resulting in a fractured, “parallel” legislature and failed peace deals brokered by the Presidency.
2024: A year of legal deadlock over the state budget and cabinet appointments as various peace pacts collapse.
March 18, 2025: President Tinubu declares a State of Emergency due to security threats and risks to oil infrastructure.
March – September 2025: retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas serves as Sole Administrator while Fubara and the legislature are suspended.
September 18, 2025: Gov. Fubara is restored to power following the lifting of the six-month suspension.
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