Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has spoken publicly for the first time since impeachment proceedings were initiated against him by the State House of Assembly, shedding light on his controversial remark that some dogs bark without understanding why.
The governor made his remarks on a day his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, responded sharply to calls demanding his removal from office, stating that President Bola Tinubu would only sack him if he no longer had anything to offer.
This development also came as the Rivers State House of Assembly raised concerns over what it described as “secret plots” to illegally obtain court orders aimed at stopping the legislature from carrying out its constitutional duties.
Why I Talked About Barking Dogs — Fubara Explains
Governor Fubara spoke during a church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, where he appealed for calm and reassured residents that the situation in the state would stabilise.
He explained that his decision to remain quiet amid rising political tension was intentional, adding that his confidence was rooted in his faith in God.
Speaking briefly, the governor said, “I said something that dogs bark when they don’t understand. Now, see, I think a lot of you don’t understand, and that’s the reason I don’t shout, I don’t complain. I know what I have.
“I know that I have what is supreme, and that is God. So, I want everyone to relax. What is important is peace for these dear states, and we’ll get it by the special name of God.”
Deputy Governor Calls For Discipline And Prayers
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Professor Odu, thanked residents for attending the church service to commemorate the event.
She urged the public to conduct themselves responsibly, echoing the message delivered during the sermon by the Dean of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda, who reminded worshippers that every action would be remembered at some point.
She also appealed to residents to continue praying for the administration, describing prayers as the foundation sustaining the government.
Wike Ends Statewide Tour, Dodges Impeachment Questions
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, avoided commenting on the impeachment crisis currently heightening political tension in the state.
Wike concluded his ‘Thank You’ tour across the 23 local government areas with a final rally in his home local government area of Obio/Akpor.
Addressing supporters, the minister stated, “I have told everybody that I am not a trader. I have never told anybody that I am a pastor. I never told anybody that I was a public commentator or a journalist. I chose to be a politician. Choose what you want to be in life.”
Sack Me If You Want — Wike Fires Back At Critics
Responding to those calling on President Bola Tinubu to remove him from office, Wike said: “it is within the right of President Bola Tinubu to do so if he so wishes.’’
He stressed that politics was driven by interest rather than emotion, adding that power was something to be taken, not given.
According to him, “for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes a governor in Rivers.
“Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision.
“So, if you like, abuse us, after abusing us, come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes.”
He dismissed public pressure calling for his removal, saying: “Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not in your place to tell him what to do.”
Wike added that President Tinubu was fully aware of his value and did not require external advice, noting that the President had done a lot for Rivers State and would be repaid politically in 2027.
He also mocked supporters of the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, saying: “Those who said they are coming from the side of Atiku could not give him 10% vote in 2023, how can they deliver President Tinubu!
“The President knows that we are the real Renewed Hope. We have seen battles before. This is a battle already won.”
Assembly Raises Alarm Over Alleged Court Plot
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has alleged that certain individuals are secretly attempting to secure illegal court orders to stop lawmakers from performing their constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Enemi George, the Assembly said intelligence reports suggested that efforts were underway to obtain such orders from high courts within the state but outside the Port Harcourt judicial division.
The Assembly noted that those involved were fully aware of constitutional provisions governing legislative matters and court jurisdiction.
It cited section 272(3) of the constitution, which states that “subject to the provisions of section 251 and other provisions of the constitution, the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the house of assembly of a state, governor or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant.”
It also referenced section 188(10), which provides that “no proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.”
The statement warned: “These persons are also fully aware of judicial pronouncements on this matter, especially recently at the court of appeal on a matter involving a similar ex parte order by a Rivers State High Court, contrary to section 272(3) of the constitution. A word is enough for the wise.
“Therefore, with the leave of the speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, I call on those concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.
“All that is required is for the office holders who have already been duly served with the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct to respond to them item by item, rather than deploy subterranean moves to subvert the law or use proxies to malign members and the Rivers State House of Assembly in the media.”
