The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to NAIJALOG, Amaewhule made the switch on Friday alongside 15 other lawmakers, explaining that internal conflicts within the PDP pushed them to defect.
It will be recalled that earlier in March, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his Deputy, and several Assembly members.
Those who defected with 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).
NAIJALOG notes that the PDP has historically dominated politics in Rivers State since 1999, until a lingering political feud created a deep divide between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Assembly.
The turmoil escalated into the partial demolition of the Assembly complex by factions supporting Fubara, along with attempts by lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to remove the governor from office.