President Bola Tinubu has officially thrown his weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the recognized leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, clarifying the murky waters of Rivers State politics. 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.
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. “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, warning that the President’s patience has limits.
Regarding the legislative attempt to oust Fubara, the Presidency issued a stern reminder about the rule of law, pointing 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. The state chapter is calling for party congresses and stakeholder engagement to unite various party factions.
