Rivers Speaker, 15 Lawmakers Defect to APC
Political tension intensified in Rivers State on Friday as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, led 15 other lawmakers to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The dramatic shift occurred during a sitting of the Assembly, where the lawmakers formally announced their decision.
The defectors cited an unresolved internal crisis within the PDP as the major reason for abandoning the party.
Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana) topped the list of lawmakers who switched allegiance, alongside 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).
Others included 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.
Their defection signals a major political realignment in the state, further escalating the already heated political atmosphere.
With the mass movement of lawmakers, analysts say the development could significantly alter the balance of power within the Assembly and deepen the ongoing feud between key political figures in Rivers State.
The PDP has yet to release an official response to the defections.
