The President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that President Bola Tinubu will remain neutral in the current political crisis in Rivers State.
Ngelale revealed this position in an interview on TVC last month.
The dispute between Wike and Fubara has developed into a prolonged political struggle.
In October 2023, Tinubu intervened in the political crisis in the state, facilitating the signing of a peace agreement by both involved parties.
When asked whether the president needs to intervene again, Ngelale said, 'I believe that anyone who believes that by their actions, whether it’s from the federal level, the state level, 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 mistaken and they’ll be disappointed.
“Mr. President will not do that. What he will do is to ensure that everybody has what they need in order to work.
“He will also ensure that any attempt to frustrate the operation of the Rivers State Government of conducting its affairs in a way that it would benefit the Rivers people, that’s obviously not going to be allowed by this President or anybody else.”
He added, “So, I think there’s a need for all stakeholders to understand that Mr. President will not take sides and that they need to focus on government and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of River State and that should be their only consideration until the lead up to 2027, when we can start talking about politics.”
The planned renovation of the state legislative quarters reignited the crisis.
Fubara announced plans to renovate the buildings, but lawmakers aligned with Wike, led by factional Speaker, Martin Amaewhuke, voiced concerns that the renovation might serve as a pretext for demolition, similar to the events that transpired at the House of Assembly last year.
Amaewhuke accused Fubara of intimidation and disregard for the law, contending that the buildings were in satisfactory condition and intended for lawmakers, not the executive branch.
