By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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In a dramatic plenary session that sent shockwaves through Rivers State’s political arena, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, has declared his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), vowing to secure his party card “in no time” and praising President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Amaewhule, representing Obio/Akpor Constituency 1, made the announcement Friday alongside 15 other lawmakers, citing “clear and irreconcilable divisions” within the PDP as the catalyst for the mass exodus. “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,” he declared from the Speaker’s chair, drawing applause from his faction.
The move, which tips the Assembly’s balance further toward APC, escalates the long-simmering feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp and allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose influence over the defectors is no secret.
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Addressing colleagues, Amaewhule lamented the PDP’s internal strife: “We can no longer remain in a party where unresolved conflicts have made effective representation difficult.” He heaped praise on Tinubu: “Mr. President is doing so much for this country. President Bola Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He’s tackling the issues of security. The President has shown love to Rivers State.”
The defection fulfills months of speculation, rooted in the 2023 Assembly crisis where Amaewhule’s group initially 27 strong attempted to impeach Fubara, leading to court battles and a peace deal brokered by Tinubu. While some returned to PDP, this bloc’s switch solidifies Wike’s grip.
Legal experts predict fresh lawsuits, with Fubara’s faction invoking defection clauses to declare seats vacant. The Assembly adjourned amid cheers, but tension lingers security was beefed up outside the complex.
As Rivers PDP fractures further, eyes turn to Wike’s next move and potential by-elections.
DDNewsOnline