By Abiola Olawale
The Presidency has formally recognized Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, effectively drawing a line under the long-standing leadership tussle with his predecessor and the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, clarified that the President aligns with the party’s national leadership in acknowledging Fubara’s authority.
Bwala emphasized that Wike is not a member of the APC and remains a figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He also noted that Wike has been “adequately compensated” for his support of the administration through his appointment as FCT Minister.
Bwala’s remarks come as the Rivers House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara, amid a renewed war of words between the governor and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.
However, the presidential aide added that Wike’s political standing in the state is limited to the 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,” 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 said Tinubu’s position is in tandem with the party’s internal 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.
Bwala also addressed concerns over Wike’s influence within the federal government, noting that appointments do not supersede 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 interests of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.”
He added that the cold war between Wike and Fubara is “being handled”.
“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. Court orders are 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.”
