Speaker Martin Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly, alongside sixteen lawmakers, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule announced the decision during plenary on Friday, citing a “clear division” within the PDP as the driving force behind the defection.
He described the move as necessary to promote legislative unity and to align with a party better positioned to advance the interests of their constituents.
Others who left the PDP with the Speaker include the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana); Major Jack (Akuku-Toru); Linda Stewart (Okrika); Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni); Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3); Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2); Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2); and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme); Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1); Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2); Peter Abbey (Degema); Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo); Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche); and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State earlier this year in March, suspending Governor Sim Fubara and his Deputy alongside members of the State Assembly.
The crisis led to the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by forces loyal to Fubara, as well as attempts by lawmakers aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to impeach the governor.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the PDP has maintained a tight grip on the state, until a protracted crisis rocked the state, pitting lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The mass defection is regarded as a major political shift in Rivers State, significantly enhancing the APC’s strength within the House of Assembly.
