Wike Reacts After Fubara Allegedly Referred To Him As A “Barking Dog” During New Year’s Speech

According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, January 2, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to comments made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deepening the ongoing rift between the former allies.

It was reported that Governor Fubara, while speaking at a New Year banquet on Thursday, used a metaphor that many interpreted as a swipe at Wike amid their prolonged political fallout.

“If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?” Fubara had asked, a remark widely seen as a reference to the former governor’s recent criticisms and political moves.

However, Wike wasted no time in firing back. Addressing a gathering of supporters from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) on Friday, the FCT minister dismissed the comment and insisted that his influence was central to Fubara’s rise to power.

According to Wike, the same “dog” Fubara referred to was instrumental in his emergence as governor, even at a time when many others distanced themselves from the political struggle. He suggested that he was unfazed by the current situation and expressed confidence in his political relevance.

He said, “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.”

Wike also used the occasion to restate his political stance ahead of future elections, declaring firm support for President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that certain political decisions would be revisited to avoid past errors.

“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,” he said.

Reacting further, Wike dismissed claims about the return of Atiku Abubakar’s allies, questioning their political value based on previous election results.

“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,” he added.

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