The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded strongly to remarks made by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the lingering political rift between them.

Governor Fubara, speaking at a New Year banquet on Thursday, had remarked: “If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?” — a comment widely interpreted as a reaction to the renewed tensions with his predecessor.

However, addressing supporters in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) on Friday, Wike dismissed the comment, insisting that the same “barking dog” was responsible for Fubara’s emergence as governor.

According to Wike, the political backing that propelled Fubara into office came at a time when many others distanced themselves, stressing that he was unbothered by the governor’s recent remarks.

> “This dog that is barking now barked when Rivers people didn’t even know who the person was. That same dog made him governor when others ran away. I am not afraid that the same dog is barking again. I wish him good luck,” Wike said.

The former Rivers governor also reaffirmed his political allegiance ahead of future elections, declaring unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

> “We have decided to work for Asiwaju Tinubu. There is no discussion about that. But there is a decision we must take — we will not repeat the mistake we made last time. We will correct it,” he added.

Reacting to claims that individuals who previously worked with former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar had returned to prominence, Wike dismissed their political relevance.

> “I heard him say those who worked with Atiku are back. They couldn’t even give Atiku 10 per cent. So what is the political advantage?” he asked, noting that their identities were well known.