Former Obio/Akpor Chairman Explains Shift to Wike’s Coalition
Chijioke Ihunwo, the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, has denied accusations of betraying Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara after announcing his support for the Rainbow Coalition associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines on Thursday, Ihunwo said his move was in direct obedience to the governor’s call for loyalists to embrace reconciliation and help restore peace across the state.
Loyalty to the Governor Remains Unchanged
“My principal is the Governor of Rivers State, and he has declared that peace has returned and we must move forward as a state,” Ihunwo stated. “If we truly support him, we should join him in the Rainbow Coalition.”
He stressed that the political realignment does not alter his allegiance to Fubara, adding, “We are supporting our governor because we want peace in our state. He is our leader and we will follow him wherever he goes.”
Rejection of Past Criticism and Calls for Apology
Ihunwo dismissed suggestions that he and other Fubara supporters had given the governor poor advice during the height of the feud, noting his personal relationship with the governor predates the crisis. He recalled mobilising youths for Fubara during the 2023 governorship election while serving as a youth leader in the state.
When asked whether his earlier criticism of Wike’s camp contradicted his current stance, Ihunwo replied that political circumstances can change, quoting the governor’s advice to “sheathe our swords and move forward.” He also rejected demands that he apologise to Wike or other political actors, calling such requests baseless.
Looking Ahead to 2027 Elections
The former council chairman affirmed that he will now work alongside Wike’s supporters in Obio/Akpor in preparation for the 2027 general elections, as instructed by Governor Fubara to ensure the Rainbow Coalition succeeds in Rivers State.
“My loyalty lies with the governor of Rivers State, and I will follow his instructions,” Ihunwo concluded, adding that he has no regrets about the positions he took while defending Fubara during the crisis.
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