By Attah Ede
sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday announced their resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Majority of the defectors are lawmakers loyal to the former governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Amaewhule, who announced the collective defection of the lawmakers during plenary on Friday, told lawmakers and observers in the House that the decision was driven by a “clear division” within the PDP.
The move represents a significant escalation in the protracted political turmoil in Rivers State, and at the national level of the PDP, where tensions between rival factions have intensified.
The resolution was adopted during the House’s 37th Legislative Sitting, following a motion sponsored by Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack and 25 other members.
The lawmakers praised Tinubu’s appointments of Rivers indigenes into key federal positions and cited federal projects in the state, including the East–West Road and the Bonny–Bodo Road.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule described Tinubu as a “compassionate” leader whose policies have increased funds available to states and local governments, enabling them to meet obligations such as salary payments.
The lawmakers also noted that despite belonging to the APC, Tinubu had not discriminated against members of the PDP.
The Assembly resolved to support the President and mobilise constituents for his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
While Tinubu belongs to the ruling APC, Wike remains a member of the opposition PDP, which is currently divided by internal factional disputes.
