Tinubu backs Fubara as APC leader in Rivers amid impeachment crisis — Bwala
Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, has said the president aligns with the position of Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the leadership hierarchy in Rivers state.
Bwala spoke as the Rivers State House of Assembly continued impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid renewed tensions between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme, Bwala said Fubara must be allowed to govern without interference, stressing that Wike does not speak for the APC in Rivers.
“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,” he 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.”
Bwala added that Tinubu’s position is rooted in party rules and democratic principles. “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 over Wike’s influence within the federal government, Bwala said political compensation does 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.”
He said the ongoing rift between Wike and Fubara is “being handled”, adding that impeachment processes must follow constitutional provisions.
“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 said.
“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.”
Bwala added that Tinubu respects the autonomy of all states, including those governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “The president even respects the rights of states governed by the PDP… he believes that a governor, regardless of party, should be allowed to govern,” he said.
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