Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence on the impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the State House of Assembly, explaining comments in which he likened his critics to dogs barking without understanding. The governor spoke on a day his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissed calls for President Bola Tinubu to sack him, saying the President would only do so if he no longer had value to offer. Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly raised concerns over what it described as “secret plots” to obtain court orders aimed at restraining the legislature from carrying out its constitutional duties.
Fubara made the remarks on Sunday during a church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St Cyprian Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, where he called for calm and assured residents that the state would remain peaceful. He said his decision to remain silent amid the political tensions was deliberate and rooted in his faith, stressing that he drew strength from God rather than engaging in public confrontations.
“I said something that dogs bark when they don’t understand,” the governor said, adding that he was confident in his position and would not be distracted. He urged residents to remain calm, emphasising that peace was paramount for the state. Also speaking at the service, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu urged citizens to maintain good conduct, echoing the message of the Anglican Communion’s dean, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda, who reminded worshippers that actions have lasting consequences.