Fubara is APC leader in Rivers, Wike has been compensated — Bwala

Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu onpolicy communication, says his principal aligns with the position of NentaweYilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on theleadership hierarchy in Rivers state. Bwala’s remarks come as the Rivers House of Assemblycontinues impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara, amid a renewed warof words between the governor and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor. BACKGROUND On January 3, the APC chairman said Fubara, Governor ofRivers, leads the party in the state. Yilwatda said the APC accords governors the privilege ofleading the party at the state level, while urging them to respect inclusionand avoid disenfranchising other party members. ‘FUBARA SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO HIS JOB’ Speaking on ‘Hard Copy’, a Channels Television programme,Bwala said the governor must be allowed to carry out his duties without undueinterference. The presidential aide added that Wike’s political standingin the state is limited to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairmanthat in Rivers state, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not amember of the APC, so he cannot speak for the party,” he said. “He may be regarded as a leader within the PDP in Riversstate, having been a former governor, but the APC leader in the state isGovernor Fubara.” Bwala said Tinubu’s position is in tandem with the party’sinternal rules and democratic principles. “What the national chairman said is the position thepresident sticks to, because he respects party procedures. The presidentbelieves in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always respectthat,” he said. Bwala also addressed concerns over Wike’s influence withinthe federal government, noting that appointments do not supersede nationalinterest. “We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wikeenjoys certain benefits,” he said. “Wike has been adequately compensated. The presidentbelieves in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest ofNigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, youwill know.” He added that the cold war between Wike and Fubara is “beinghandled”. “When you ask who is the leader of the party, the answer isthe governor. The impeachment procedure must be consistent with the practice oflaw and constitutional requirements,” he added. “The governor will deal with it. There are court ordersstopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubarafrom governing Rivers state. “The president even respects the rights of states governedby the PDP. Even where the APC may want to challenge them, he believes that agovernor, regardless of party, should be allowed to govern.” Bwala concluded that the president’s stance reflects hiscommitment to democratic stability, constitutional order and party disciplineacross the country.

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