The Proven Loyalty of Kingsley Chida (19459000)
By Thomas Taribo
True loyalty and strategic loyalties are the two main types of loyalty.
True loyalty, however rare and non-ambitious, is not common. Strategic loyalty, however, is more common, as it is rational and transactional, rather than true loyalty, which is unassailable and stays even when everyone else has left.
Both are needed to succeed in politics. When the battle gets real only loyalty that is true will last. However, in structural terms, transactional loyalties leads to collapse. It is evident that those holding the 2027 structure are those who didn’t scatter in 2023.
Loyalty isn’t one-sided. It is designed to build reciprocal relationships, not scorekeeping.
Hon.
Hon. Kingsley Chida, in Rivers State, works silently, defensively and protectively without taking credit or revealing himself.
Rt. Hon. Chida understands that certain things cannot be rushed. He can therefore wait until eternity.
This removes the pressure which leads to compromise.
Hon. Hon.
Chida is a man of integrity who builds trust and never lies.
Instead of negotiating or lobbying to get his attention, the Rt. Hon. Chida chose silence.
He does not change direction when the wind shifts, he waits for what is to come, and cannot use leverage.
It is no surprise that his structure still remembers him. Indeed, Rt. Hon. Okay, Chida.
You are more important than loudest of the campaigners.
Most politicians, particularly in Rivers States are clamoring for the election in 2027, creating camps and running a race to relevance. But one stands out. He is not interested in chasing microphones or making deals under the cover of darkness. Instead, he chooses a path that involves waiting and watching, while remaining loyal.
An unambitious personality, Rt. Hon. OK Chida never forces his name in every conversation or makes threats to leave if he doesn’t get what he wants.
In an environment where loyalties are often used as a transactional tool, Hon. Hon.
Chida is consistent. It isn’t a new thing, it’s not a seasonal thing, and its not convenient. His loyalty to the FCT Minister predates his current office, titles and relevance. He stayed both when the risk was political and when it paid off politically. It is clear that a loyal ally differs from a supporter who only shows up occasionally.
Hon.
Hon. Chida is a man without blemishes, and a leader in Rivers’ State Politics. “OK Chida, he has not betrayed anybody since his birth.”
The currency is even less equal when you consider that Rivers State has a history of betrayal. With every cabinet reshuffle the alliances change, and yesterday’s supporters become today’s detractors.
The overwhelming majority of opinions are the same in the Chief Wike camp and among the old Port Harcourt politicians, as well as the opponents and traducers. Hon. Chida is a man of his word. He does not lie or do double business.
This kind of reputation can be leveraged in a system based on distrust.
We are approaching the final stages of Rivers 2027. The battle will not be won solely by those with the loudest voices or who spend the most. The battle will be won through trust. It is important to build trust between leaders and the people they lead.
The ability to trust each other after a test.
In Rivers, the political structure of FCT Minister is made up of people who are loyal and have shown that they won’t scatter under pressure. Loyalty is the currency in that system, and Rt. Hon.
OK Chida paid the full amount over many years without claiming interest.
It’s possible he isn’t on all billboards. It’s possible he isn’t in all the WhatsApp groups talking about 2027. In the decision-making rooms, loyalty is more important than ambition.
Rivers’ politics can learn a lot from this. Everyone does not have to rush.
It’s not necessary for everyone to be in a hurry. It can be strategic to become known as someone who refuses to change ranks.
Hon. Hon. Kingsley Chida’s reputation speaks for itself. In 2027, after the dust has settled and when real structures matter more than noise, this voice will be heard.
Rivers is tired of politicians who are only in town when it’s convenient. It needs men to stay even when it’s not convenient, like Rt. Hon.
OK Chida, you’re one of them.
Taribo, a Port Harcourt-based public affairs writer and analyst, is known for her insightful articles.
