President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, firmly aligning with the position of the party’s national leadership and dismissing any contrary claims.
The clarification was conveyed through the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara at the Rivers State House of Assembly and deepening political tensions involving his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, Bwala said President Tinubu fully agrees with the position earlier stated by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, that governors are the recognised leaders of 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 clarified that while Wike may still be regarded as a political leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leadership of the APC in Rivers State unequivocally rests with Governor Fubara.
According to Bwala, the President’s position is anchored on respect for party structures, 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 public concerns over Wike’s perceived influence within the federal government, Bwala dismissed suggestions that the Minister’s position places him above party discipline.
“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,” he said.
Bwala also weighed in on the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, stressing that constitutional processes must be followed and that the governor’s authority should not be undermined.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has welcomed the President’s clarification, describing it as a vindication of its longstanding position.
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 further urged the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to urgently schedule congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels to elect new leadership capable of harmonising contending interests within the party.
It also called on Governor Fubara to immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart a unified direction for the APC in Rivers State going forward.
