Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the president on policy communication, says Bola Tinubu aligns with the position of Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on party leadership in Rivers state.
Bwala spoke as the Rivers State House Of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara, amid renewed exchanges between the governor and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.
Recall that on January 3, Yilwatda said Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, is the leader of the APC in the state.
Yilwatda said the APC recognises governors as state party leaders, while urging them to promote inclusion and avoid marginalising other members.
Speaking on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme, Bwala said Fubara should be allowed to perform his constitutional duties without interference.
Bwala said Wike’s political influence in Rivers state is limited to the Peoples Democratic Party (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 Bola Tinubu’s position reflects respect for party 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.
Addressing claims about Nyesom Wike’s influence at the federal level, Bwala said appointments must not override 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 interest of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.”
Bwala said the dispute between Wike and Siminalayi Fubara is being managed within legal boundaries.
“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 said.
“The governor will deal with it. There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers state.”
He said the president respects the autonomy of all states, including those governed by the PDP.
“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,” he said.
Bwala said Tinubu’s approach underscores his commitment to constitutional order, democratic stability and party discipline nationwide.
