•Fubara and Tinubu at Aso Rock
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, a position communicated through his Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala.
The clarification comes amid impeachment proceedings against Fubara in the Rivers House of Assembly and ongoing political tensions with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking on Channels Television today, Bwala said the president aligns with APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda’s position that governors lead the party at the state level.
“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 added that while Wike may be regarded as a leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC leadership in the state rests solely with Fubara.
Bwala emphasised that the president’s stance respects party procedures, the rule of law, and due process.
“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 influence within the federal government, Bwala noted, “We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits.
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 also commented on the impeachment proceedings against Fubara, stating that the governor’s authority must be respected.
“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.
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,” he said.
The Rivers State chapter of the APC welcomed the presidential clarification.
In a statement, the party said, “This Presidential clarification has once again vindicated our uncompromising stand on this matter and aligns with the policy thrust of our national party leadership under Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator (Dr) Ajibola Basiru.
This timely reaffirmation justifies the position of Rivers State APC on the position of the state Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara as leader of our party in Rivers State.”
The party urged the National Working Committee to schedule congresses to elect new leadership at the ward, local government, and state levels to harmonise contending interests.
It also requested that Governor Fubara immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting to set the direction for the party going forward.
