Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on Sunday explained his recent comment that “dogs are barking,” saying his decision to remain silent amid impeachment moves against him was deliberate and rooted in his faith in God.
Fubara spoke at a church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
The governor called for calm and assured residents of the state that peace would prevail, despite the political tensions surrounding the impeachment proceedings initiated by the State House of Assembly.
According to him, distractions and criticisms would not derail his administration, as he remained focused on governance and guided by spiritual conviction.
“I said something that dogs bark when they don’t understand. I think a lot of people don’t understand, and that is the reason I don’t shout or complain.
“I know what I have, and what is supreme is God. I want everyone to relax. What is important is peace for this dear state, and we will get it by the special name of God,” he said.
The governor’s comments came on the same day his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, dismissed calls for President Bola Tinubu to sack him, insisting that such a decision rested solely with the President.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly raised concerns over what it described as alleged plots to procure court orders to restrain the legislature from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
In her remarks at the church service, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, commended worshippers for attending the event and urged residents to maintain good conduct.
Odu, who aligned with the sermon delivered by the Dean of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda, noted that every action would be remembered at one time or another.
She also appealed to the people of the state to continue to uphold the administration in prayers, describing such spiritual support as a key pillar sustaining the government.