Tinubu Backs Fubara, Insists Rivers Governor Must Govern Without Interference
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his backing for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that the governor must be allowed to discharge his constitutional responsibilities without external pressure or political obstruction, PulseNets learnt.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s current affairs programme Hard Copy, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, clarified that the leadership structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State is unambiguous.
“I align with the position earlier stated by the National Chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC and, as such, has no authority to speak for the party,” Bwala said.
He added that while Wike may still command influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a former governor, that status does not translate into leadership within the ruling party.
“He could be viewed as a prominent figure in the PDP in Rivers State because of his past role as governor, but when it comes to the APC, the leader in the state remains Governor Fubara,” he stressed.
Bwala further explained that President Tinubu’s stance is anchored on strict adherence to the rule of law, internal party discipline, and democratic best practices, PulseNets reported.
“The position expressed by the National Chairman reflects the official stance of the party. The President believes deeply in due process and the rule of law, and the APC will always act within the boundaries of its established procedures,” he stated.
Responding to concerns about the perceived influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, within the Federal Government, Bwala acknowledged that cabinet members are entitled to certain privileges but noted that such benefits do not supersede national interest.
“There have been complaints that, as a minister, Wike enjoys certain advantages. The President believes in rewarding people appropriately, but never at the expense of Nigeria’s overall interest. President Bola Tinubu allows room for engagement, but once boundaries are crossed, there are clear consequences,” he said.
On the lingering political tension in Rivers State, Bwala told PulseNets that the disagreement involving Wike and Governor Fubara is being addressed strictly through legal and constitutional means.
“If the question is who leads the party in the state, the answer is the governor. Any impeachment process must comply fully with constitutional provisions and established legal practice,” he noted.
He also pointed out that existing court orders have restrained any impeachment move against the governor.
“There are subsisting court orders halting any impeachment attempt, and the party’s position is firm: no one should obstruct Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State,” Bwala added.
Reiterating the APC’s position, he maintained that Wike is not a member of the ruling party and therefore lacks the mandate to speak on its behalf.
Bwala further observed that President Tinubu applies this principle of non-interference across party lines, including in states governed by opposition parties.
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“The President respects the rights of governors, even in PDP-controlled states. Even where the APC may wish to challenge certain actions, he believes that every duly elected governor, irrespective of party affiliation, should be allowed to govern,” he said.
According to Bwala, this approach underscores President Tinubu’s wider commitment to democratic stability, constitutional governance, and party discipline across Nigeria.
