In a move that clarifies the murky waters of Rivers State politics, President Bola Tinubu has officially thrown his weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the recognized leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
This declaration serves as a direct rebuttal to suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, holds the reins of the party’s structure in Rivers. The clarification comes at a high-stakes moment, as Fubara faces ongoing impeachment pressure from the State House of Assembly.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made it clear that the Presidency is sticking to the rulebook. He noted that Tinubu’s stance aligns with APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who maintains that sitting governors are the natural leaders of the party in their respective states.
“In Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot speak for the party,” Bwala stated.
Bwala further emphasized that while Wike remains a heavyweight within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC’s leadership in Rivers “rests solely with Governor Fubara.”
The Presidency also addressed the perceived outsized influence of Nyesom Wike within the current administration. Bwala suggested that the President’s patience has limits, noting that the FCT Minister has already been “adequately compensated” for his role in the general election.
- On Party Rules: Tinubu’s position is anchored on constitutional order and due process.
- On Wike’s Role: Bwala warned that while the President allows for political latitude, “once boundaries are crossed, consequences follow.”
A Warning on Impeachment
Regarding the legislative attempt to oust Fubara, the Presidency issued a stern reminder about the rule of law. Bwala pointed to existing judicial interventions that have stalled the process.
“There are court orders stopping the impeachment. Nobody should stop Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State,” Bwala added.
The Rivers State chapter of the APC has hailed the President’s intervention, viewing it as a long-awaited validation of the governor’s authority. To stabilize the party moving forward, the state chapter is calling for:
- Party Congresses: Fresh elections at the ward, local government, and state levels.
- Stakeholder Engagement: A request for Governor Fubara to convene a meeting to unite various party factions.
