Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his supporters to maintain their composure and not be unsettled by the ongoing political tension between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Governor's Message of Assurance at New Year Banquet
The governor delivered this message of reassurance during the New Year banquet held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on January 2, 2026. He emphasized that there was no reason for panic within his camp, as they have a clear understanding of the political situation and are strategically focused on their objectives.
Fubara stated that his administration has put all necessary structures in place to ensure its smooth operation and to secure his re-election bid. He portrayed his camp as one of calm understanding, in contrast to what he described as the noisy opposition.
'Dogs Bark When They Don't Understand'
In a pointed analogy directed at his critics, Governor Fubara referenced a quote attributed to Julius Caesar. "Caesar, in one of his quotes, said the only reason a dog barks is when it doesn’t understand," he told the audience.
He elaborated on this metaphor, drawing a comparison to a familiar household scenario. "If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark? So when the dog starts barking, maybe it is seeing something it doesn’t understand," Fubara explained.
Applying this logic to the current political climate, the governor asserted, "We are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going, and we have put everything needed in place to make the journey smooth." This statement was widely interpreted as a veiled jab at his political opponents, suggesting their actions stem from a lack of comprehension of his administration's plans and strategies.
Focus Amidst the Political Storm
The governor's speech underscores his attempt to project an image of stability and control despite the very public rift with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. By urging calm and dismissing the actions of critics as mere noise, Fubara aims to consolidate his support base and present his administration as one that is undeterred and purpose-driven.
The event, a New Year celebration, served as a platform for the governor to directly address his loyalists and the wider Rivers public. His core message was one of resilience and forward movement, assuring everyone that his government remains on course.
