Chidi Lloyd Questions Governor Fubara’s Sincerity Amid Rivers State Political Crisis

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – As political tensions in Rivers State continue to simmer, former Chairman of Emuoha Local Government Area, Chidi Lloyd, has openly criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approach to resolving the ongoing power tussle. Lloyd, a known ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused the governor of lacking sincerity in his peace overtures and failing to meet vital conditions for reconciliation.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Lloyd emphasized that peace cannot exist without justice. He lamented that while many Nigerians view the crisis as a standoff between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, the discord has deeply affected numerous stakeholders. “People are confused thinking only the minister was wounded in this political crisis, but many others—former council chairmen and campaign coordinators for Fubara—are also aggrieved. I’m aggrieved, too. So, let us not seek peace in the graveyard; let us seek genuine peace,” he declared.

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Lloyd pointed to the governor’s failure to fulfil the terms of an eight-point peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu as evidence of a lack of commitment. The agreement, designed to calm the political storm, was allegedly not honored by Governor Fubara, further deepening mistrust among political actors.

According to Lloyd, reconciliation must be preceded by a series of public apologies and acts of contrition from the governor. He specifically mentioned the need for Fubara to apologise to Sergeant Awuse, the elder statesman and former Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as to aggrieved members of the State House of Assembly and former local government chairmen.

Justice Before Peace: The Wike Camp’s Standpoint

Lloyd’s remarks reflect the growing discontent within the Wike faction of the state’s political framework. By calling out the governor’s perceived defiance of presidential intervention, Lloyd has spotlighted the delicate balance between power and accountability in the state’s governance.

“Peace is not just about the Minister; it requires full pursuit,” Lloyd insisted, underlining the broader scope of grievances. He also accused Fubara’s allies of failing to show remorse for their roles in exacerbating the political rift, warning that any peace not built on accountability would be superficial and short-lived.

The eight-point peace deal, which included conditions such as reinstating affected political office holders and restoring withheld salaries, was hailed as a breakthrough when initiated. However, the breakdown in its implementation has led to fresh tensions, casting doubt on the sustainability of peace efforts.

Public Apology as a Prerequisite for Reconciliation

Lloyd’s demand for a public apology adds another layer to the complex situation. According to him, without a formal and public acknowledgment of wrongdoing, many aggrieved individuals within the party will remain unconvinced of the governor’s sincerity. This sentiment resonates with many of Wike’s loyalists who feel betrayed by the post-election power dynamics.

“If Governor Fubara can renege on agreements made before the President, how can peace be trusted?” Lloyd asked pointedly. His comments illustrate the depth of skepticism that now surrounds Fubara’s administration, especially among those who supported his rise to power.

The political drama in Rivers State has become a defining test of loyalty, governance, and conflict resolution in Nigeria’s democracy. While Governor Fubara maintains that his administration is focused on governance and peace, critics like Lloyd insist that the pathway to lasting harmony lies in redressing past grievances and showing genuine contrition.

As the state grapples with the fallout of this prolonged crisis, the focus remains on whether Fubara will yield to these demands or continue to chart his course, potentially deepening the rift with political heavyweights like Wike and his allies.