The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has affirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and must be allowed to govern without interference.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Bwala addressed ongoing impeachment proceedings against Fubara and tensions with his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
“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 explained that while Wike may hold influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leadership of APC in Rivers remains firmly with Fubara.
Bwala also supported APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda’s position that governors have the privilege of leading the party at the state level. “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 added.
Responding to criticism over Wike’s entitlements as a cabinet member, Bwala said: “Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interests of Nigeria.”
On the impeachment process against Fubara, he stated it must comply with legal and constitutional requirements, noting that court orders halting the procedure should be respected.
“The governor will deal with it. Nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers State,” Bwala affirmed, adding that President Tinubu respects the governance rights of states led by opposition parties.
