The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he does not “shout or complain” about the challenges facing the state because God remains with him.
Fubara made the remarks on Sunday during an interdenominational church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
After prayers were offered for the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, Fubara was invited to speak but instead asked the deputy governor to address the congregation on his behalf.
He jokingly told worshippers that the service might be the final public function he and his deputy would attend.
The governor also appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that peace would return to Rivers State.
“Let me say it here, where we were making the New Year dinner, I said that, ‘dogs bark when they don’t understand’.
“A lot of you don’t understand that the reason why I don’t shout or complain is that I know that I have what is supreme, that is God.
“I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear state. We will get it by the special name of God.”
His comments come amid rising political tension in the state. On Thursday, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy over allegations of “gross misconduct”.
The impeachment notice was reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers.
The Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, accused the governor and his deputy of posing a threat to democracy and criticised Fubara for allegedly failing to present the state budget in accordance with constitutional provisions.