Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, says his principal aligns with the position of Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the leadership hierarchy in Rivers state.

Bwala’s remarks come as the Rivers house of assembly continues impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara, amid a renewed war of words between the governor and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.

On January 3, the APC chairman said Fubara, governor of Rivers, leads the party in the state.

Yilwatda said the APC accords governors the privilege of leading the party at the state level, while urging them to respect inclusion and avoid disenfranchising other party members.

Speaking on ‘Hard Copy’, a Channels Television programme, Bwala said the governor must be allowed to carry out his duties without undue interference.

The presidential aide 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 said Tinubu’s position is in tandem with the party’s internal rules and democratic principles.

“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,” he said.

Bwala also addressed concerns over Wike’s influence within the federal government, noting that appointments do not supersede 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 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,” he added.

“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.”