Fubara Says a Dog Barks Because It Does Not Know What Is Happening, Reflecting the Political Crisis in Rivers State

Reported by: L. Imafidon | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — As political fault lines continue to shape the landscape of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara sought to address rising tensions in a New Year message that drew on metaphor and reassurance, signalling confidence in his administration’s direction despite lingering unrest and factional disputes.

In comments that have since resonated across political circles and social media, Fubara invoked imagery once attributed to Julius Caesar — noting that “a dog barks because it does not know what is happening,” and arguing that Democratic governance should not resemble confusion or panic. The governor explained that, unlike a barking dog, the people of Rivers were not reacting out of misunderstanding or fear, but because they have a clear sense of purpose and direction. He underscored that his administration has already “set all the things that are needed to make the journey smooth and easy”, suggesting that the state’s leadership is fully prepared to navigate challenges as it enters 2026.

The remarks come against the backdrop of a protracted political struggle that has characterised Rivers State politics over the last two years. Once close allies, Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, now represent distinct political factions after a deeply polarising feud that at times paralysed governance in the oil-rich South-South state. The crisis once escalated to the extent that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in March 2025, suspending the governor and lawmakers, and installing a sole administrator to restore stability. That period of emergency rule expired late last year as civilian governance was reinstated. 

Although some political actors have worked toward reconciliation — and cross-group endorsements emerged near the end of the year, with segments of Wike’s camp publicly supporting Fubara’s second-term bid — tensions have persisted. Key flashpoints have included disputes over legislative approval of spending, allegations of unapproved contracts and lingering mistrust between supporters of each leader. Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have accused Fubara of awarding contracts without their consent, further exacerbating the climate of friction within the state’s political architecture. 

Observers say the governor’s use of metaphor in his message was a deliberate attempt to calm nerves and counter narratives of instability. By contrasting the instinctive fear-driven reaction of a barking dog with the calm confidence of those who “know where we are going,” Fubara appeared to be framing recent turbulence as political noise rather than existential threat — while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to progress and governance continuity. 

Political analysts note that Rivers State remains a key battleground in Nigeria’s broader political landscape as the 2027 general elections approach, with factional alignments and policy disagreements likely to influence voter sentiments and party strategies. The governor’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move intended to bolster alignment with the federal government — has further altered political calculations in the state. That shift came after broader party realignments and defections by lawmakers, signalling a significant recalibration of the local political order. 

Still, critics contend that talk of forward momentum has done little to address public concerns about governance performance, infrastructure decay and the lingering effects of political instability on everyday life in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas. With factions within Rivers politics continuing to jockey for influence, commentators say that words of reassurance must be matched by tangible results that bridge divides and restore trust among residents.

Fubara’s message, widely covered by local media, reflects a concerted effort to contrast calm confidence with the perception of anxiety, urging the people of Rivers State to maintain focus and unity rather than be swayed by what he described as misunderstanding or unfounded fear. Whether that appeal will hold sway through the months ahead — particularly as political competition sharpens ahead of national elections — remains a central question for the state’s dynamic political terrain.

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