The political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Saturday, 3 January 2026, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, launched a scathing verbal assault on the state's Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
A Stinging Rebuke in Okrika
Speaking during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, the former Rivers governor mocked Fubara for deriding his political allies. Wike pointedly reminded the governor that the same people he now calls "barking dogs" were instrumental in his rise to power.
"That same dog barked and helped make you governor," Wike declared to the crowd. "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 immediately."
He framed the current friction as a twist of fate, adding, "It is one of fate that the same dog is barking again. I wish you good luck."
Shifting Alliances and a Major Defection
The event was significant not just for Wike's rhetoric but for a major political realignment. The Rivers State chapter of the Ijaw People's Congress publicly announced it was withdrawing its support for Governor Fubara and throwing its weight behind Wike.
Senator George Sekibo, Chairman of the congress, described the feud as "very unfortunate" but stated the Ijaw people would not be ungrateful. "Please don't look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people. That is why we abandoned him and said we will follow you," Sekibo told Wike.
Wike seized the moment to outline the changing political landscape, claiming former rivals were now uniting. "We used to have some problems, but today everyone is working together. That means there is no longer any no-go area," he asserted, emphasizing a coalition beyond party lines he called the "real Hope family."
Wike Defends Record and Dismisses Critics
The FCT minister also took time to respond to personal criticisms, fiercely defending his academic and political credentials. He referenced an unnamed senator who called him "semi-illiterate," countering that he is a university-educated lawyer and a Life Bencher who holds the national honour of CON.
"That same man does not know how to win elections," Wike retorted, contrasting his own electoral victories with the losses of some critics.
He further rejected accusations of orchestrating legal troubles for opponents, questioning how cases that predated his influence could be blamed on him. "In 2016, he refused the EFCC and was prosecuted. Was that also me?" he asked rhetorically.
Wike downplayed the importance of money in politics, warning supporters that financial muscle alone does not guarantee victory. "Money cannot solve all problems. Whoever is assuring you that shouting about your mandate will automatically give you victory is not correct," he advised.
Local Endorsements and a Hint for 2027
The visit was bolstered by strong local endorsements. Okrika Local Government Council Chairman, Akuro Tobin, called Wike his political godfather. Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, praised his unprecedented support for women.
In a significant reveal, Wike hinted that a decision regarding the 2027 general elections has already been made, promising that details would be disclosed in due course. He concluded by paying a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, urging traditional rulers to avoid direct partisan involvement.
"It is not going to be business as usual. Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle," the minister stated, signaling his readiness for the political battles ahead.
