Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his supporters to remain calm and focused despite the ongoing political tension between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The governor said there was no cause for alarm, insisting that his administration remains stable and fully in control.
Fubara made the remarks on Thursday during a New Year banquet held at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The event was attended by government officials, party supporters, and other stakeholders from across the state.
Speaking in a calm but firm tone, the governor said his camp was not worried by the ongoing political noise because they clearly understand the situation. He suggested that those who are making loud attacks are doing so out of confusion and lack of understanding.
Using a proverb-like illustration, Fubara said, “Don’t be disturbed by what is happening. Caesar, in one of his quotes, said the only reason a dog barks is when it doesn’t understand.”
He explained further by comparing the political situation to a familiar household experience. “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,” he said.
According to the governor, his supporters are calm because they are confident about the direction of his leadership. “We are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going, and we have set all the things that are needed to make the journey smooth,” he added.
The comments come amid a long-running political disagreement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Bola Tinubu.
Wike was governor of Rivers State for eight years before handing over to Fubara in May 2023. Fubara was widely seen as Wike’s political ally and was strongly backed by him during the governorship election.
However, not long after Fubara assumed office, cracks began to appear in their relationship. The disagreement later developed into an open political struggle involving the Rivers State House of Assembly, party structures, and control of political influence in the state.
At the height of the crisis, some lawmakers loyal to Wike attempted to impeach Governor Fubara, while others declared loyalty to the governor. The situation led to divisions within the state assembly, protests by supporters, and concerns about political stability in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu later intervened, calling for peace and dialogue between both camps. Although tensions reduced slightly after the intervention, political observers say the rivalry has continued quietly in the background.
At the New Year banquet, Fubara used the opportunity to reassure his supporters that his administration is focused on governance and development, not distractions. He urged them to remain peaceful and avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts.
The governor said his government has put structures in place to ensure smooth governance and political stability. He also hinted that preparations are already ongoing to secure his political future, including a possible re-election bid when the time comes.
Though he did not mention Wike by name, his comments were widely understood as a response to ongoing criticism and political pressure from opposing forces within the state.
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states due to its economic importance, especially in the oil and gas sector. Political developments in the state often attract national attention.
The state has a history of intense political competition, and leadership transitions are rarely smooth. Disagreements between former and current leaders are not new, but the Fubara-Wike situation has drawn particular interest because of their once-close relationship.
Observers note that how Fubara manages this crisis could shape his political future and determine the level of stability in Rivers State ahead of future elections.
Many residents and civil society groups in the state have continued to call for peace, urging political leaders to put the interests of the people above personal or political disputes.
Fubara’s message at the banquet appeared aimed at calming nerves and reassuring supporters that his administration remains focused on development, service delivery, and continuity of government.
As Rivers State enters a new year, many residents hope political leaders will reduce tension and focus more on governance, economic growth, and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.