A former staunch supporter of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Chijioke Ihunwo, has explained his decision to join the Rainbow Coalition aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Ihunwo said his decision was not a betrayal of Fubara but a response to the governor’s call for peace and political reconciliation in the state.

Speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, Ihunwo said he remained loyal to Fubara and was simply following the governor’s directive to embrace peace and move forward.

He said, “If we truly support him, we should join him in the Rainbow Coalition,” adding that his loyalty to the governor remained unchanged.

Ihunwo, a former caretaker chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, had previously criticised Wike’s political camp and accused it of attempting to destabilise Rivers State.

However, he said political alliances could change, noting that “in politics anything can happen.” He maintained that his current position was based on his principal’s instruction to sheathe their swords and work for peace.

Addressing claims that he and other allies gave Fubara poor political advice during the Rivers crisis, Ihunwo rejected the allegation, saying he had a personal relationship with the governor and acted according to his convictions at the time.

He also dismissed calls for him to apologise to Wike and other political figures over his actions during the crisis, and declined to revisit specific incidents, saying the focus should now be on peace and moving forward.

Ihunwo said he would work with Wike’s supporters in Obio/Akpor ahead of the 2027 elections, following Fubara’s instructions to ensure the Rainbow Coalition succeeds in Rivers State.

He further maintained that he had no regrets about his actions during the political crisis, insisting that his loyalty remained with Fubara and that he would continue to follow the governor’s directives.