Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his supporters to maintain their composure despite the escalating political tension between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The governor made this appeal during the New Year banquet held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, January 1.
A Call for Calm Amidst Political Barking
Addressing the gathering, Governor Fubara acknowledged the ongoing political disturbances but urged his followers not to be unsettled by them. He framed the actions of his detractors as a sign of confusion rather than strength. The governor invoked a historical reference, stating, "Caesar in one of his quotes said, the only reason the dog barks is when it doesn't understand."
He elaborated on this analogy, drawing a parallel to the current political climate. "If you have a dog in your house and it knows you, does it need to bark?" Fubara asked rhetorically. "So when the dog starts barking maybe it is seeing something it doesn't understand."
Confidence in Direction Amidst Opposition
Governor Fubara positioned himself and his administration on the side of clarity and purpose. He confidently stated that his camp remains silent because they comprehend the path ahead. "We are not barking because we understand," he declared. "We know where we are going and we have set all the things that are needed to make the journey smooth."
This statement was a direct response to the sustained pressure from the camp of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The minister and his allies have been actively holding rallies across Rivers State, where they have publicly criticized Governor Fubara's administration.
The Stakes: Re-election and Alleged Blackmail
The political feud has significant implications for the future. Supporters of Minister Wike have vowed to work against Governor Fubara's potential re-election bid if he does not reconcile and "go through Wike." Governor Fubara addressed this pressure head-on, characterizing the actions of certain individuals as attempts to blackmail both him and his government.
The governor's message was clear: his administration will not be swayed by what he perceives as noise from those who lack understanding. He emphasized preparedness and strategic planning as the hallmarks of his government's approach, suggesting that the opposition's actions are reactive rather than proactive.
As the new year begins, the political landscape in Rivers State remains sharply divided. Governor Fubara's use of the canine analogy underscores his attempt to project an image of a calm, focused leader navigating a storm created, in his view, by bewildered opponents.
