Former Ikwerre Local Government Area Caretaker Committee Chairman, Sir Darlington Orji, has refuted claims that he betrayed Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the political crisis in Rivers State, insisting that all his actions were in line with explicit instructions from the governor.
In an interview on Friday July 10, 2026, Sir Orji said the allegations levelled against him were unfounded, stressing that Governor Fubara had personally directed his loyalists to back all APC candidates from the federal to the state levels.
According to him, the directive was issued during a strategic meeting with the governor’s key political associates on June 3, 2026, where electioneering plans were thoroughly discussed.
“My actions were in full compliance with the governor’s instructions,” he said. “It would have been betrayal if I had supported candidates not endorsed by Governor Fubara.”
He added that those accusing him of disloyalty were simply envious of the direct access he enjoyed with the governor.
While speaking on overtures by other political parties, the influential Ikwerre political leader disclosed that his stature in Rivers politics attracted approaches from various camps, including the highest hierarchy of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former caretaker committee chairman of Ikwerre local government stated that despite several offers and invitations, he remained committed to the political camp he had belonged to before the crisis erupted, citing loyalty and consistency as the guiding principles for his decision.
Sir Oriji reiterated that his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike has not been tainted and he never uttered any derogatory remarks against the minister throughout the political crisis.
While acknowledging past political differences, he expressed belief that such disagreements should be consigned to the past and not allowed to continue dividing political actors in the state.
Sir Orji urged stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritise peace, reconciliation, and the overall development of the state over lingering political animosities.
