In a stunning twist in the ongoing political saga of Rivers State, 27 members of the State House of Assembly have made a groundbreaking decision to switch allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The seismic shift, announced during a Monday morning session, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, leaving citizens and pundits alike on the edge of their seats.
Confirmed by Assembly member Enemi George in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, the defection is reported to be under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, further complicating the already intense Speakership tussle between Amaewhule and fellow member Edison Ehie.
For weeks, Amaewhule and Ehie have been locked in a power struggle, reflecting a deeper divide between political heavyweights ex-governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Amaewhule's loyalty to Wike contrasts with Ehie's alignment with Governor Fubara, creating a tense atmosphere within the 32-member Assembly.
The roots of this political maelstrom can be traced back to October when the Assembly, under Amaewhule's leadership, served an impeachment notice on Governor Fubara and ousted Ehie as House leader. In a swift countermove, Assembly members loyal to Fubara impeached Amaewhule, elevating Ehie to the position of Speaker. The genesis of this crisis lies in the lingering rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite recent public appearances together, suggesting a potential resolution between Fubara and Wike, Monday's mass defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC adds a new layer of complexity to the state's political dynamics. As citizens brace themselves for the unfolding drama, the situation remains fluid, and the repercussions of this political earthquake are yet to be fully realized.
In a curious twist, some political players from other parties announced their defection to the PDP over the weekend. Leading the charge were the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, Patricia Ogbonnaya, and former Ahoada-West Chairman, Karibo Wilson. The defection, along with their supporters and party executives, solidified their alignment with the PDP group loyal to Governor Fubara.
Among those in attendance at this surprising political rendezvous were members of the Ehie-led group of lawmakers, with the member representing Ahoada West, Goodboy Sokari, standing alongside Governor Fubara's representatives, Oko Jumbo from Bonny Constituency. As Rivers State becomes the epicenter of political realignments, the unfolding events are poised to reshape the future of the state's governance and leave a lasting impact on its political landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the political theater continues to captivate audiences across the nation.
