The special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, has said the president shares the stance of Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), regarding the party’s leadership structure in Rivers State.
Bwala spoke amid ongoing impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as tensions continue between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
On January 3, Yilwatda stated that Fubara, as governor, is the leader of the APC in Rivers State. He explained that the party recognises governors as state leaders, while also urging inclusiveness and caution against sidelining other party members.
‘FUBARA SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO HIS JOB’
Speaking on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme, Bwala said Governor Fubara should be permitted to discharge his responsibilities without interference.
He added that Wike’s political relevance in Rivers is confined to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers state, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC, so he cannot speak for the party,” Bwala said.
“He may be regarded as a leader within the PDP in Rivers state, having been a former governor, but the APC leader in the state is Governor Fubara.”
According to Bwala, Tinubu’s position aligns with APC rules and democratic values.
“What the national chairman said is the position the president sticks to, because he respects party procedures. The president believes in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always respect that,” he said.
Addressing concerns about Wike’s perceived influence at the federal level, Bwala noted that appointments do not override national interest.
“We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits,” he said.
“Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.”
Bwala further said the rift between Wike and Fubara is “being handled,” stressing that party leadership in the state is clear.
“When you ask who is the leader of the party, the answer is the governor. The impeachment procedure must be consistent with the practice of law and constitutional requirements,” he added.
“The governor will deal with it. There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers state.
“The president even respects the rights of states governed by the PDP. Even where the APC may want to challenge them, he believes that a governor, regardless of party, should be allowed to govern.”
Bwala concluded that Tinubu’s position underscores his commitment to democracy, constitutional order and party discipline nationwide.
