Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday defended his move to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his decision to deepening internal divisions within the PDP.
Addressing lawmakers during plenary, Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, said the split within the PDP had made it necessary for him to seek a political platform he believes is better positioned to serve the interests of Rivers people. He also praised President Bola Tinubu for policies he said were beginning to positively impact citizens across the country, including those in Rivers State.
According to the Speaker, joining the APC will allow him to collaborate more directly with the President’s administration. “I have written to my ward chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the PDP,” he said. “APC is my new party. I am delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President from within the party.”
Amaewhule commended President Tinubu’s efforts on national security and his inclusion of Rivers State in federal governance. “He is doing so much for this country. The President has shown love to Rivers State,” he said.
The Speaker’s defection was accompanied by that of 15 other lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol of Gokana. Others who moved to the APC were 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).
Additional defectors included 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).
Since 1999, the PDP has dominated Rivers State politics, but the prolonged crisis that pitted lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara fractured the party’s long-standing hold. The feud escalated into the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex and impeachment attempts backed by lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
President Tinubu intervened in March, declaring a state of emergency to curb the escalating tensions. The measure resulted in the temporary suspension of the governor, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Assembly. All were reinstated on September 17 at the end of the emergency period.
