Wike hits back at former godfather, Mbata: Yes, I washed your cars, but show your achievements in politics

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has escalated his war of words with his estranged political godfather, Azuta Mbata, dismissing the former lawmaker as a serial ally of every government in power.

Wike’s riposte followed Mbata’s scathing remarks in which the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reportedly mocked the minister as one who had in the past washed his car and a “half-illiterate.” Mbata’s remarks followed Wike’s equally scathing condemnation of Mbata’s support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking during his “thank-you” tour at Abua-Odual Local Government Area, Wike fired back without mentioning Mbata by name, as he challenged his former political patron to point to tangible achievements from his years in public office.

“Ask me what I did as council chairman. Ask me what I did as governor. Ask me what I am doing now as minister,” Wike said. “When I was signing contracts for their company, nobody complained that I was an illiterate. If you like, abuse me.”

Recall that Mbata, a two-term senator and influential power broker during the Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara Senate eras, is widely credited with helping Wike emerge as chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government in 1998.

Wike, however, contrasted records, insisting that leadership should be judged by impact, not pedigree. “You say you were a senator—tell your people what you did for them,” he challenged.

Taking a swipe at Mbata’s political adaptability, Wike added: “Every governor that comes to power, you are there,” as he reaffirmed his backing for President Bola Tinubu, declaring that his support “is not in vain.”

Almost three years ago when Mbata celebrated his birthday Governor Wike had led government officials and the then PDP governorship candidate, Fubara to the occasion where he opened up on the former senator’s then unknown role in his political emergence.

Wike had on the occasion said: “So many people do not know my relationship with you (Mbata). But those who are very close and know about my political career, they know that my first shot in public office was sponsored by you for me to be council chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government.

“I started making money as a lawyer preparing all the estate documents for you. So, I have made money through you before I became council chairman through preparation of land documents.”

The then governor had gone further to say that as far as Rivers State is concerned, nobody can take it away and deny the contributions of Senator Azuta-Mbata to his immediate community.

“Your role and the role you played in this community, in fact the development of this community cannot be taken away from you.

The exchange underscores the deepening rift within Rivers politics as alignments harden ahead of an imminent leadership shake-up in the state.