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Attempts by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to take on the role of political godfather in Rivers State have been thwarted by the Presidency.

This was made clear by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, when he stated that Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Bwala supported the views of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, regarding the structure of party leadership in Rivers, during a time when Fubara was facing impeachment and was embroiled in conflict with Wike, his predecessor and estranged godfather.

As per Yilwatda, the APC grants governors the privilege of state-level party leadership.

Bwala, during a Thursday appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’, expressed that Governor Fubara should be permitted to operate without interference.

He noted that Wike’s political influence in the state is restricted 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. (Adapted from a report by The Sun)

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