Anything can happen in politics: Fubara loyalist explains move to Wike’s camp

Chijioke Ihunwo, once a vocal defender of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has explained his recent alignment with the Rainbow Coalition, a group associated with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Ihunwo insists this move does not signify betrayal but rather adherence to Governor Fubara's call for peace and unity in the state.

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You are aware that my principal is the Governor of Rivers State, and he has said there is peace in Rivers State and that we need to move on as a state. If we truly support him, we should join him in the Rainbow Coalition.

"If we truly support him, we should join him in the Rainbow Coalition," Ihunwo stated in a TVC interview, emphasizing that his loyalty remains with Governor Fubara. He explained that the governor's personal appeal to his loyalists, urging them to "follow me" if they genuinely support him, left him with no alternative but to comply. Ihunwo reiterated, "We are supporting our governor because we want peace in our state. He is our leader and we are going to follow him wherever he goes."

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We are supporting our governor because we want peace in our state. He is our leader and we are going to follow him wherever he goes.

Addressing allegations that he and other allies provided poor political advice to the governor, which allegedly exacerbated the crisis, Ihunwo dismissed these claims as untrue. He highlighted his personal relationship with the governor, recalling his role in mobilizing youth for Fubara during the 2023 governorship primary. Ihunwo argued that these political realignments should not be interpreted as victories or defeats for any party involved, but rather as a collective return to a path of peace championed by the governor.

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He has told us that if you love me genuinely, follow me. So, we are following the governor to where he is going.

When pressed on whether his past criticisms of Wike's camp were misguided or if his current position appears inconsistent, Ihunwo cited the fluid nature of political alliances. "My brother, let me tell you, in politics anything can happen," he said. He stressed his commitment to his principal, Governor Fubara, who has called for reconciliation and moving forward. Ihunwo also rejected calls for him to publicly apologize to Wike and other state assembly figures for his conduct during the political crisis.

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That is not true. I have a personal relationship with the governor.