My political career at stake if Fubara wins second term — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that his political career would be “buried” if Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, secures a second term in office.

He made the remarks on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika Local Government Area, stressing that a firm decision had been reached regarding Fubara’s re-election ambition. “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again,” Wike said.

The warning comes amid a renewed flare-up of the long-running rivalry between Wike and his political godson, Fubara. During a thank-you visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Wike condemned Fubara for allegedly calling him a “barking dog” and challenged the governor to reveal the promises he made during a peace meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

“Somebody said a dog is barking. This dog that is barking now, barked when Rivers people did not even know who the person was and the dog that barked made the person Governor. It is very unfortunate that the same dog is barking, I wish him good luck,” Wike said.

Wike also criticised Fubara for allegedly failing to keep promises from the peace meeting, questioning his ability to lead. “Somebody who cannot relate with Council Chairmen, even discuss with the Assembly members, somebody who cannot sit down and discuss with National Assembly members, what kind of leadership do you want to provide?” he asked.

Addressing former loyalists now aligned with Fubara, Wike defended his record against claims of being “semi-illiterate” and highlighted his achievements as governor and FCT Minister. He described ONELGA as a “no go area” for anyone other than his supporters, stressing that Rivers people were working in unison for Tinubu, regardless of party affiliation.

During the visit, Dr. Robinson Ewor, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, announced the dissolution of his faction and handed over leadership to an Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee supported by Wike. Ewor said he left Fubara’s camp because the governor could not be trusted, citing failed mediations by President Tinubu.

“PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman, and under one leadership, that is the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,” Ewor said, dismissing claims that Wike had intimidated or undermined Fubara, and adding that the minister had done nothing to undermine the governor’s office.