Rivers Speaker, 15 other assembly members dump PDP for APC
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).
SOCIETYWATCH reports that Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday, citing divisions within the PDP as the reason for their defection.
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.
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).
SOCIETY WATCH reports that 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 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.
