By formally endorsing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the acknowledged APC leader in the state, President Bola Tinubu has helped to clear up the political confusion in Rivers State.
The idea that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), controls the party’s structure in Rivers has been directly refuted by this announcement. The State House of Assembly has been pressuring Fubara to resign, thus this clarification is quite important.
In an interview with Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Daniel Bwala—the president’s special adviser on policy communication—emphasized that the administration is following protocol. He pointed out that Tinubu shares the view of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who argues that current state governors are the party’s innate leaders, with this view.
Governor Fubara heads the APC in Rivers State. According to Bwala, Wike cannot represent the APC since he is not a party member.
Bwala went on to say that the APC’s leadership in Rivers “rests solely with Governor Fubara,” even if Wike is still a major player in the PDP.
The apparent disproportionate impact of Nyesom Wike on the present government was another topic covered by the presidency. Noting that the FCT Minister has already been “adequately compensated” for his involvement in the general election, Bwala implied that the President’s patience has its limitations.
According to Tinubu, constitutional order and due process are the cornerstones of party rules.
Concerning Wike’s Position: Bwala cautioned that, although the President does permit some political flexibility, “once boundaries are crossed, consequences follow.”
An Impeachment Warning
A strong reminder of the rule of law was issued by the Presidency in response to the legislative effort to remove Fubara. Bwala said that the process has halted due to current judicial interference.
Court orders have been issued to halt the impeachment process. The people of Rivers State should support Governor Fubara in his administration, Bwala said.
As a long-awaited endorsement of the governor’s authority, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has praised the president’s intervention. The state chapter is requesting the following in order to stabilize the party going ahead:
New elections for ward, city, and state offices are part of the party congresses.
A appeal to Governor Fubara to call a meeting to bring together different factions of the party in order to engage stakeholders.
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