Rivers Politics: Ihunwo Explains Why He Joined Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, Says ‘I Haven’t Betrayed Fubara’

Former Obio/Akpor Local Government caretaker chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, has broken his silence on his decision to join the Rainbow Coalition aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisting the move is an act of loyalty to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara—not betrayal.

Speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines on Thursday, Ihunwo said his decision followed Governor Fubara’s public call for peace and reconciliation in Rivers State after months of political tension between the governor and his predecessor, Wike.

“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,” Ihunwo said.

The former local government chairman stressed that his allegiance remains firmly with Fubara, explaining that the governor had directed his supporters to embrace reconciliation rather than continue political hostilities.

“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,” he said. He added that Fubara’s message to loyalists was clear: “If you love me genuinely, follow me. So, we are following the governor to where he is going.”

Responding to claims by Wike that some of Fubara’s allies gave the governor poor political advice during the crisis, Ihunwo dismissed the allegation. He recalled mobilising young people in support of Fubara during the 2023 governorship primary while serving as Rivers State youth leader and maintained that he had always acted in the governor’s interest.

He also rejected suggestions that the political truce represented a victory for one camp over another, saying the focus should now be on rebuilding unity in Rivers State.

“For me, nobody is a loser and nobody is a winner. We are back to where we are because this state belongs to all of us and the governor wants to tow the line of peace,” he stated.

Reflecting on his previous criticism of Wike’s camp, Ihunwo described politics as dynamic, saying changing alliances should not be viewed as inconsistency.

“My brother, let me tell you, in politics anything can happen. I have a principal who I am working with. He has said, ‘Let us sheathe our swords and move forward,'” he said.

The former council chairman also dismissed calls for him to apologise to Wike, Speaker Martin Amaewhule and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly over his actions during the political crisis. He denied recognising the Rivers State National Youth Council chairman who made the demand, describing him as “an impostor.”

Ihunwo further declined to revisit allegations surrounding confrontations during the height of the political crisis, saying peace requires leaving the past behind. He revealed that he would now work alongside Wike’s supporters in Obio/Akpor ahead of the 2027 general elections, in line with Governor Fubara’s directive, while insisting he has no regrets about his previous role because he acted according to his convictions at the time.