Wike Fires Back At Former Political Benefactor: “Yes, I Once Washed Your Cars, But…”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday intensified his verbal confrontation with his former political godfather, Azuta Mbata, describing the ex-lawmaker as a perennial ally of every administration in power.

Wike’s response came after Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, reportedly derided the minister by recalling how he once washed his car and branding him a “half-illiterate.” Mbata’s comments followed Wike’s earlier harsh criticism of Mbata’s support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing supporters during his “thank-you” visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area, Wike replied without directly naming Mbata, daring his former mentor to highlight concrete achievements from his time in public office.
“Ask me what I achieved as council chairman. Ask me what I did as governor. Ask me what I am doing today as minister,” Wike said. “When I was signing contracts for their company, nobody complained that I was an illiterate. You can abuse me all you want.”
GWG.ng recalls that Mbata, a two-term senator and influential political figure during the Senate leadership of Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara, is widely acknowledged for playing a key role in Wike’s emergence as chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government in 1998.
However, Wike maintained that leadership should be assessed by performance rather than status. “You claim you were a senator—tell your people what you did for them,” he challenged.
Taking a jab at Mbata’s political flexibility, Wike remarked: “Every governor that comes into power, you are always there,” while reiterating his support for President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his backing “is not wasted.”
GWG.ng reports that nearly three years ago, during Mbata’s birthday celebration, then-Governor Wike led government officials and the then PDP governorship candidate, Siminalayi Fubara, to the event, where he openly acknowledged Mbata’s role in his political journey.
At the event, Wike had said:
“Many people do not know my relationship with you (Mbata). But those who are close to me and understand my political history know that my first opportunity in public office was sponsored by you when I became chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government.
“I began earning money as a lawyer by preparing estate and land documents for you. So, I had already made money through you before becoming council chairman.”
The former governor further stated that within Rivers State, Mbata’s contributions to his immediate community could not be denied.
“The role you played in this community, indeed in its development, cannot be erased,” Wike said.
The exchange highlights the growing rift in Rivers State politics as political loyalties and alignments continue to harden ahead of an expected leadership realignment in the state.