Special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has expressed support for Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC national chairman, regarding leadership in Rivers State.

His comments follow ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which have reignited tensions with former Governor Nyesom Wike. On January 3,

Yilwatda stated that Fubara leads the APC in Rivers and emphasised the need for governors to promote inclusion within the party.
During a recent appearance on ‘Hard Copy,’ Bwala argued that the governor should operate without interference and that Wike’s influence is confined to the Peoples Democratic Party.

“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 said.

“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,” 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.”