The unfolding political saga in Rivers State has taken a noteworthy twist as 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Confirming the development, Assembly member Enemi George informed Channels Television that the 27 lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, made this decision during their Monday morning session.
The defection comes amid a prolonged Speakership dispute between Amaewhule and another member, Edison Ehie. Amaewhule is reportedly aligned with former governor Nyesom Wike, while Ehie is known to be in the camp of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Assembly, under Amaewhule’s leadership, had served an impeachment notice on the governor and ousted Ehie as the House leader in October. However, in response, members loyal to Fubara swiftly impeached Amaewhule and appointed Ehie as the new Speaker.
The root of the crisis in the 32-member Assembly traces back to a feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite public appearances suggesting a resolution between the two politicians in recent weeks, the defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC on Monday adds a new layer of complexity to the political landscape in the state, hinting at possible further developments.
