The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, on Friday defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He told lawmakers that “the major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” noting that the internal crisis made remaining in the party untenable. Amaewhule, who represents the Obio-Akpor I constituency, praised President Bola Tinubu for initiatives he said have positively impacted Nigerians, including residents of Rivers State.
According to him, joining the APC will create an opportunity to work more closely with the President for the benefit of the state.
Amaewhule announced, “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily inform honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.
“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”
Amaewhule defected alongside 15 other lawmakers. Those who also left the PDP 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), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Others are Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
The PDP had held firm control of Rivers State since 1999 until a prolonged internal crisis created deep divisions, pitting lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The conflict resulted in the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by groups reportedly aligned with Fubara and attempts to impeach him by lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
President Bola Tinubu later intervened, declaring a state of emergency on March 18 in an effort to calm tensions. The move led to the temporary suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Assembly.
After the emergency period ended, the President reinstated all affected officials on September 17.