The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has welcomed the presidency’s stance on the leadership dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to a statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, the APC expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reaffirming Governor Fubara as the party leader in Rivers State.
Through his Special Adviser on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, President Tinubu emphasized that Governor Fubara should be allowed to perform his duties without undue interference. Bwala acknowledged Wike’s role in the Tinubu administration but clarified that Wike is not an APC member. The Rivers APC viewed the presidential clarification as a vindication of their stance, which aligns with the party’s national leadership under Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The party commended President Tinubu for sticking to the party’s management direction, allowing APC governors to lead the party at the state level. This, they believe, will foster mobilization, cohesion, and efficiency. The statement also condemned the opinion of Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary, on the impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy, citing that it contradicts the party’s core essence.
The Rivers APC requested the National Working Committee to schedule congresses to elect new leadership for the party at various levels, citing subsisting court decisions on the party’s leadership. The party also asked Governor Fubara to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to provide direction for the party’s future. This development aims to address the ongoing dispute and promote unity within the party. By reaffirming Governor Fubara’s leadership, the presidency has taken a significant step in resolving the conflict and ensuring the APC’s stability in Rivers State.
