The Presidency stated yesterday that President Bola Tinubu would remain impartial amidst the ongoing political turmoil involving the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State.
This came as Fubara intensified crackdown on Wike’s camp and the 27 lawmakers loyal to him in a bid to assert his authority in Rivers State as their supremacy battle took a new turn.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Tinubu, disclosed the President’s stance during an interview on TVC. He emphasized that those anticipating Tinubu’s support in the crisis would be disappointed, as he is committed to preventing any hindrance to the Rivers government’s operations.
Ngelale stated, “I believe that anyone who believes that by their actions, whether it’s from the federal level, state level or the legislative branch in the state or the executive branch in the state, if they are banking on Mr. President to take sides on this matter, they’re mistaking and they’ll be disappointed.”
He further clarified, “Mr. President will not do that. What he will do is to ensure that everybody has what they need in order to work… So, I think there’s a need for all stakeholders to understand that Mr. President won’t take sides.”
This is a huge blow to Wike and his loyalists who might be banking on Tinubu’s intervention to help them win the battle in Rivers. Days ago, the embattled pro-Wike lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, had appealed to President Tinubu to call Governor Fubara to order.