Fubara Must Be Allowed To Do His Job, Wike Already Compensated, Says Bwala

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, must be allowed to carry out his duties without undue interference.

Bwala made the remarks on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme, where he said he agrees with the position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on the leadership structure of the party in Rivers State.

“There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers State,” Bwala said.

His comments come as the Rivers State House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Fubara, amid a renewed political confrontation between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

On January 3, Yilwatda had said Fubara, as governor, is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, noting that the party accords sitting governors the privilege of leading its structure at the state level.

He also urged governors to promote inclusion and avoid disenfranchising other party members.

Speaking, Bwala stated 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,” he said.

He added that President Tinubu’s position aligns with the APC’s internal rules and democratic principles, stressing that the president believes in the rule of law and respects party procedures.

Addressing concerns about Wike’s influence within the federal government, Bwala said political appointments do not override national interest.

“We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits.

“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,” he said.

He added that the cold war between Wike and Fubara is “being handled”.

“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.

“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.”

According to Bwala, the president’s stance reflects his commitment to democratic stability, constitutional order and party discipline across the country.