By Didimoko A. Didimoko, Snr Writer
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, on Friday cited the deepening divisions within the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as the primary reason for his defection to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, he told his colleagues, “The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” he said.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for programmes initiated under his administration, saying many of them have had a positive impact on Nigerians, including residents of Rivers State. According to him, joining the APC will allow him to work more closely with the President for the benefit of the state.
“Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members 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 said.
“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to ensure that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong and has shown love to Rivers State. I am delighted to join the APC so we can support the President from within the party.”
Amaewhule’s defection comes alongside 15 other lawmakers who also crossed to the APC on Friday. The affected members include Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana); Major Jack (Akuku-Toru); Linda Stewart (Okrika); Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni); Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt III); Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt II); Enemi George (Asari-Toru II); and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt I).
Others who defected are Igwe Aforji (Eleme); Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru I); Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru II); Peter Abbey (Degema); Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo); Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche); and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
The PDP, which had maintained political dominance in Rivers State since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, has been severely weakened by the prolonged feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. The conflict escalated into the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by individuals allegedly loyal to the governor and an attempted impeachment of Fubara by the pro-Wike lawmakers.
As tensions worsened, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the lawmakers. All parties were reinstated on September 17 after the six-month emergency period expired.
The mass defection now further alters the political balance in Rivers State, shifting significant influence to the APC as the state continues to grapple with the fallout of its long-running political crisis.
