In a surprising turn of events, 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing allegations of funds starvation by Governor Siminialayi Fubara.
The factional members, led by Speaker Mr Martin Amaewhule, revealed this decision during their 87th plenary session in Port Harcourt. Out of the 32 lawmakers in the House, the defectors expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged withholding of funds for the Assembly’s management by the state government.
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Accusing Governor Fubara of starving them of crucial financial support, the lawmakers made a unanimous resolution to join the APC. This move comes amidst claims of division within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), serving as a significant factor in their decision to defect.
27 PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC, Accuse Gov Fubara
Following the announcement, Amaewhule, in a statement, directed the Clerk of the House to communicate their resolution to Governor Siminialayi Fubara and other relevant authorities. He emphasized that the decision to switch parties was motivated by the collective aim to better serve the state.
Despite the political upheaval, the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2023 successfully advanced through the second reading during the plenary.
The defection of these lawmakers marks a significant development in Rivers State politics, adding a new dimension to the ongoing political landscape. The allegations of funds starvation and the subsequent mass defection underline the challenges and tensions within the state’s political arena. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how this political shift will impact the dynamics of governance in Rivers State.
