By Ayo Kehinde
Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule and loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule announced the decision during plenary on Friday, attributing the defection to what he described as deepening “division” within the PDP.
He informed his colleagues that he had already notified his ward chairman of his resignation and had begun the process of securing his APC membership card.
“Distinguished colleagues, APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. As I speak today, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am happy to be a member of APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. Mr President is doing so much for this country”, he said.
Others who dumped the PDP 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 are 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).
The Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, insisting the President “means well for Nigeria’’ and has demonstrated “love to Rivers State”. He added that aligning with the APC would enable the lawmakers to support the President’s development agenda more effectively.
The House also expressed concern over the continued delay by Governor Siminialayi Fubara to present a list of commissioners for screening.
