The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Friday as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, led 15 lawmakers in defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule and his colleagues announced their defection during plenary, citing irreconcilable divisions within the PDP.
Their exit marks a major blow to the party’s long-standing dominance in Rivers State, which it has held since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
The mass defection comes months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state in March, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Assembly at the height of the political meltdown.
Those who defected alongside the Speaker 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 News Chronicle recalls that the lingering feud between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike spiralled into chaos earlier this year, culminating in the partial demolition of the Assembly complex and repeated impeachment attempts against the governor.
Their defection now sets the stage for a fresh power struggle in the oil-rich state as the political realignments deepen.
