The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the recent defection of Rivers State House of Assembly members from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) undermines democratic progress.
The party in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, stated that the defection was not the first by the Assembly members, alleging that they acted under the orders of a paymaster.
“We have seen on various media platforms news of the redefection of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who, for a second time, announced their defection from our party. We recall that they had done so earlier and later recanted. These are people whom the world is aware are doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress. They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made a mockery of the legislature. So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” the party said in the statement.
On account of this,the PDP further threatened to take legal action to reclaim the mandate of the Rivers Assembly members.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party, which these people have now ignobly and surreptitiously switched to another platform.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness, and equity,” it said.
Seventeen lawmakers led by Speaker,Martins Amaewhule during plenary on Friday announced their defection to join the APC
They said the divisions within the PDP informed their decision to switch parties
Other lawmakers who joined the APC include Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana), 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), Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1), Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
Amaewhule and 27 lawmakers had in December 2023 announced their defection to the APC amid political crisis between Governor Siminilayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,Abuja.
The lawmakers later denied their defection when their status attracted legal action.
The crisis resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the lawmakers, for six months while appointing Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) as administrator.
