Rivers Assembly: 27 pro-Wike lawmakers dump PDP for APC
The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly took a new turn on Monday with twenty-seven members loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, defecting from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers cited division within the PDP as the primary reason for their defection to the APC.
Before announcing their defection from PDP to APC, Assembly members adopted a resolution condemning the alleged withholding of funds for the management of the Assembly by the state government.
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The faction led by its Speaker, Mr Martin Amaewhule, made the disclosure at its 87th plenary in Port Harcourt.
The group comprising 27 legislators, accused the state Governor, Mr Siminialayi Fubara, for starving them of funds.
The 27 lawmakers out of the 32 lawmakers of the House, thereafter, announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors cited division in the PDP as the reason for crossing to the APC.
Speaking after reading the letters signed by the defected lawmakers, Amaewhule directed the Clerk of the House to convey their resolution to the governor, Mr Siminialayi Fubara and relevant authorities.
According to him, the decision of 27 lawmakers is borne out of the desire to serve the state better. However, the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2023′ scaled through the second reading at the plenary.