The Presidency has aborted moves by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike to assume the role of political godfather of Rivers State.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made this clear when he declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Amid impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his conflict with his predecessor and estranged godfather, Wike, Bwala endorsed the position of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on the hierarchy of the party’s leadership in Rivers.
According to Yilwatda, APC accords governors the privilege of leading the party at the state level.
Bwala, while speaking Thursday on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’, stated that Governor Fubara must be allowed to perform without interference.
He added that Wike’s political standing in the 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 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 stated.
“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.
“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 interests of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Bwala added.
Ctedit: The Sun
