The All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost one of its prominent leaders in Rivers State, Chidi Lloyd and an ally of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has announced his defection from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Lloyd announced his decision to dump the APC at a special reception held for him by Governor Nyesom Wike at the Government House Port Harcourt.
The former leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Director-General of Tonye Cole 2020 Campaign organization, apologised to PDP leaders for abandoning the party hitherto.
He also extended an apology to Michael Chinda, member representing Obio-Akpor Constituency 2 in Rivers State who he hit with a mace during the Assembly crisis in 2013.
“I, Hon. Dr. Chidi Julius Lloyd, on behalf of my family, tender an unreserved apology, to Your Excellency, Hon. Micheal Chinda and to the good people of Rivers State for the events of July 9, 2013.
“Your Excellency, my people have asked me to tell you that we will henceforth file out with you in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he said.
Lloyd reportedly fell apart with his boss and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, following some irreconcilable differences.
It was, however, gathered Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, prevailed on the ex-Amaechi’s strongman to abandon APC as part of his ongoing consolidation and harmonisation for emergence of his successor.
Wike in his words described Lloyd as his friend, insisting his declaration that the doors of the PDP were open for members of the APC in the state, was not a fluke.
He said: “In politics anything can happen. But that does not mean you should forget friendship. We must forget yesterday and put ourselves together as brothers against tomorrow.
“What he (Lloyd) did was what any politician who is committed and supportive of any course the person believes is to defend his interest and the interest of his people at that time.
“When I tool oath of office, I said any person who has committed any offence against me or I have committed against the person, forgive me and I have also forgiven you. Let everybody come back together as one,” the Governor stated.
