Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, has said the president aligns with the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leadership that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the party’s leader in Rivers State.
Bwala spoke amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Fubara by the Rivers State House of Assembly and renewed political tensions between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Earlier in January, APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda stated that governors are recognised as leaders of the party in their respective states, urging inclusiveness and respect for internal party processes.
Speaking on *Hard Copy*, a Channels Television programme, Bwala said Fubara should be allowed to govern without undue interference, stressing that Wike’s political influence in Rivers is confined to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I agree with the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC and cannot speak for the party,” Bwala said.
He added that President Tinubu’s stance is rooted in party rules, democratic principles and respect for due process, noting that the president believes in the rule of law and constitutional order.
Addressing concerns about Wike’s role within the federal government, Bwala said appointments and compensations do not override national interest, adding that while the president gives latitude, boundaries must be respected.
Bwala also said the dispute between Wike and Fubara is being managed, stressing that any impeachment process must comply with legal and constitutional requirements. He noted that court orders exist restraining the impeachment and insisted that no one should obstruct the governor from carrying out his duties.
