The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule announced his defection on Friday, alongside 16 other lawmakers, citing the deepening crisis within the PDP as the reason for their departure.
The other defectors include 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 joining the APC were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
With the mass defection, the APC now has 17 members in the House.
In response, the 10 remaining PDP lawmakers appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo of the Omuma constituency as Minority Leader.
‘APC my new party’
Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, said his decision was driven by the “division in the PDP.”
“Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce that your Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr. Osondo Orlu of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party,” he declared.
“APC is my new party. I will do everything necessary to ensure that my All Progressives Congress membership card is issued to me without delay. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President, who is doing so much for this country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling security challenges headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State by ensuring our people are part of national governance. I am delighted to join the APC so we can support the President from within the party,” he added.
During the plenary, House Leader Major Jack also accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of failing to fully constitute the state executive council and of not appointing an Attorney-General for the state.
Rivers politics
The PDP has maintained firm control over the oil-rich state since 1999, until a protracted political crisis pitted the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The crisis resulted in the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by persons allegedly loyal to the governor and impeachment attempts by lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
President Bola Tinubu later intervened, declaring a state of emergency on March 18, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the lawmakers. Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) as administrator during the emergency period.
Upon the expiration of the emergency rule on September 17, the President reinstated the governor, his deputy, and the lawmakers.
The internal crisis within the PDP has persisted since the 2023 presidential election and has deepened with the emergence of two opposing factions at the national level of the party.
