Fubara Must Be Allowed to Carry Out His Duties Without Undue Interference – Tinubu’s Aide
The Presidency has reaffirmed its support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that he must be permitted to discharge his constitutional duties without undue interference, a senior presidential aide said on Friday.
The assertion was made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy and Communication, during an interview on the current affairs programme Hard Copy on Channels Television.
Bwala emphasised that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a clearly defined leadership structure in Rivers State, and that Governor Fubara remains the recognised party leader there. He said former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot speak for the party in the state.
“The President believes in the rule of law and due process,” Bwala said, noting that internal party procedures and democratic principles should guide how leaders operate. “Nobody should stop Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State.”
Political Dispute in Rivers State
The comments come amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where there has been a prolonged power struggle involving Governor Fubara and allies of Nyesom Wike. The crisis has extended into the state assembly, where impeachment proceedings have been contemplated, though court orders have sought to stall such moves.
Supporters of Fubara within the APC have welcomed the presidency’s position, saying it strengthens the governor’s authority in the face of political challenges. Meanwhile, observers say the dispute underscores deeper divisions within the political landscape of Rivers State, particularly between factions aligned with the APC and those associated with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Presidential Stance on Governance
Bwala highlighted that President Tinubu respects constitutional governance and believes that political office holders, regardless of party, should be allowed to perform their duties without external disruption. He said that where legal processes apply — such as impeachment actions — they must be pursued strictly within the framework of the law and existing court orders.
The Presidency’s intervention is seen as an attempt to stabilise the situation in Rivers State while maintaining party discipline within the APC.