The tension in Rivers State politics is revealed by a feud between Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Chidi Lloyd, a staunch supporter of Wike, during an episode of the Mic on Podcast emphasized the unwavering loyalty to Wike within their faction, asserting, “Both Gov. Fubara and I are Wike’s men. We belong to the Wike family,” highlighting the growing divide between the current governor and his predecessor.
Former Governor Wike’s accusations against Fubara for abandoning their shared allies add fuel to the fire, intensifying the conflict. Lloyd challenges the endorsement of Governor Fubara as the leader of the party in the state by a former Governor of the State, Dr. Peter Odili, stating, “I don’t see any statute or any extant law nor the constitution that empowers former Governor Peter Odili to proclaim who the political leader of Rivers State is.”
Lloyd’s revelation about the pro-Wike camp’s unexpected support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election adds another layer of complexity to the political dynamics in Rivers State, as he discloses,
“Unprecedented, we were directed by him (Wike) to vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential election, and we massively voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
While his loyalties to political mentors like Wike and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi have come under scrutiny, Hon. Lloyd expressed unwavering support for Wike’s mentorship. Reflecting on his political journey, Lloyd adamantly states,
“I am unapologetic about my support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (Wike). This is a man who has made me what I am politically.”
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