Rivers Crisis: Why I Said ‘Dogs Are Barking’ — Fubara Explains Amid Impeachment Tension

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence on the political storm swirling around his administration, offering a spirited explanation for his now-famous remark that “dogs bark when they don’t understand” — a metaphor that has been seized upon by allies and adversaries alike amid impeachment tension in the state. 

The comment, which has been the subject of widespread interpretation in political circles, was made by Fubara during a church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt — a setting he chose to urge peace and calm in the face of ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

What Fubara Actually Meant

Governor Fubara explained that his use of the “dogs barking” metaphor was not intended as an insult but rather as a reflection of his deliberate choice to remain calm and grounded in faith amid political distractions.

Speaking to congregants, he said that:

Some critics respond with noise and agitation because they do not understand the deeper issues at play.

His silence in the face of political turmoil is intentional, rooted in his faith in God rather than in fear or avoidance.

He believes that public shouting and complaints rarely resolve crisis situations, while maintaining peace and perspective offers a better path forward. 

In his words, “I said something that dogs bark when they don’t understand. Now, see, a lot of you don’t understand, and that’s the reason why 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.” 

Calm in the Eye of Political Storm

Fubara’s remarks came as the Rivers State House of Assembly moved to begin impeachment proceedings against him and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu — an action representing the latest chapter in a fraught political rift within the state’s leadership. 

Rather than engage in public exchanges of barbs or political counterattacks, the governor chose a religious and spiritual platform to call for calm, urging Rivers residents not to be swept into the emotion of political conflict.

His deputy, Ngozi Odu, also took part in the service, urging residents to continue in prayer and support for peace and “good conduct” amid the ongoing crisis. 

Background: A Broader Political Struggle

The context of Fubara’s metaphor is the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen:

Renewed impeachment efforts by lawmakers

Divisions within the political elite

High-profile tensions with political heavyweight Nyesom Wike

Public debate about leadership, loyalty, and governance direction

Political commentators note that the “dogs barking” remark has become symbolic of the emotion enveloping the crisis — with supporters of various factions interpreting it through their own lenses. Yet Fubara’s explanation frames the comment as a plea for calmness and faith rather than escalation. 

What This Means for Rivers Residents

For ordinary citizens of Rivers State — many of whom are weary of political wrangling — Fubara’s message carries several implications:

Peace first: Choosing calm over confrontation is aimed at protecting daily life and communal harmony.

Faith-based leadership: Fubara emphasised spiritual grounding as a coping strategy amid political tension.

Avoiding noise: Loud political rhetoric, he suggests, often arises from misunderstanding rather than informed analysis.

Whether the governor’s approach will defuse tension, or whether political pressures will mount regardless, remains a central question as the impeachment process unfolds.

Conclusion

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s explanation for his “dogs are barking” remark is rooted in a broader appeal for calm, perspective, and faith in the face of political tension in Rivers State. By reframing the metaphor as a reflection on misunderstanding and restraint rather than provocation, he aims to shift focus from confrontation to peace — even as the impeachment threat looms.