In a significant political development, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move comes amidst internal divisions within the PDP and is accompanied by the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Sim Fubara.
The lawmakers, announcing their defection, cited the perceived division within the PDP as a primary reason for their move to the APC. This development signals a notable shift in the political landscape of Rivers State and reflects the ongoing realignment of political allegiances.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the withholding of funds designated for the management of the House of Assembly. The resolution underscores the challenges faced by the legislative body in securing necessary resources for its operations.
During the Monday sitting, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly engaged in various legislative activities. Among these, they passed for the Second Reading the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2023, indicating the legislature’s focus on addressing key issues at the local government level.
The defection of the 27 lawmakers and the accompanying political dynamics are expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State. As the legislators align with the APC, the party stands to gain increased influence in the state, potentially shaping future political developments and elections. The ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Sim Fubara further add to the political turbulence in the region, setting the stage for heightened political activity in the coming months.
