The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reminded Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that the political forces he’s allegedly ridiculing were instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also declared that growing political unity across the state had ended long-standing divisions in Rivers politics.
Wike said, “That same dog barked and helped make you governor. 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. It is one of fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck.”
The former Rivers State governor told supporters in Okrika that political rivalries in the state were gradually dissolving as stakeholders rallied around a common cause.
He said, “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.”
Wike also dismissed claims that his political camp lacked what it takes to determine the outcome of the state’s next gubernatorial election.
Reacting to personal attacks against him, the minister said, “Someone who was once a senator said the Minister of the FCT is semi-illiterate. 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 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,” he said.
“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,” Wike added.
The minister thanked the people of Okrika and urged their leaders to embrace inclusive governance.
“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,” he added.