Chidi Lloyd Apologizes for 2013 Assembly Fracas, returns to PDP
The former leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State, Chidi Lloyd a loyalist of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has announced his defection from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Lloyd made this public at a special reception held for him by Governor Nyesom Wike at the Government House Port Harcourt.
The Director General of the 2019 Governorship Campaign Council of the APC in Rivers state, also apologised to PDP leaders for abandoning the party and as well 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.
Recall that on 9 July 2013 duing the fracas on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd who was representing Emohua constituency in a viral video allegedly used a fake mace procured for the failed impeachment bid against the legitimate Speaker of the legislative house, Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, to hit Hon. Michael Okechukwu Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor II Constituency of Rivers State.
Lloyd was formally received at the Government House, Port Harcourt, by Governor Nyesom Wike and some PDP leaders in the state on Monday. He promised to join the governor to succeed in the party, adding that he had learnt how to be benevolent in politics.
Lloyd said, “My people have asked me to say to you that we will henceforth join hands with you in the Peoples’ Democratic Party. Your Excellency, I thank God today that all the dramatis personae that were involved in that shameful conduct are alive. None was buried”
“On behalf of myself and my family I tender an unreserved apology for whatever action that may have been ascribed to me. I am truly truly sorry for the pain I may have cost my brother, Michael Chinda.”
Responding to Lloyd defection, Wike described Lloyd as his friend, noting that his declaration that the doors of the PDP are open for members of the APC in the state, was not a fluke.
Meanwhile, Wike has said politics hampers development, and any politician who bears bitterness in their minds against others hardly makes progress.
Wike was speaking when the people of Akpabu and Itu communities, led by their traditional and political leaders, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, adding that his success in politics and governance was because he carries no grudge against anyone.
“When I took 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.
On the other hand, the APC in a statement by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Igo Aguma, lamented the exit of Lloyd saying it was regrettable. Aguma in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Livingstone Wechie warned against continuous polarisation of the party, insisting the APC was in urgent need for reconciliation to avoid further depletion of its leaders.
Aguma said: “On behalf of the leadership of the APC in Rivers state, I call on all members of our party in the state forming different groups and factions to sheath their sword and come to the table so we can resolve the burning deputations for us to move the party forward.The APC in Rivers State he said is working tirelessly to reconcile aggrieved members to save it from collapse.
