‘Why I Defected From PDP To APC’, Rivers Speaker Amaewhule

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, on Friday, disclosed that he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the division in his former party.

Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, told his colleagues during plenary that a deepening division within the PDP compelled him to exit the party.

“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” he said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for programmes initiated by his administration, noting that many of them have positively impacted Nigerians, especially the people of Rivers State.

According to him, joining the APC would enable him to collaborate more effectively with the President for the benefit of the state.

“Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress,” the Speaker said.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Amaewhule defected alongside 15 other lawmakers to the APC on Friday.

The others 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).

Also joining the APC were 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 the return to civil rule in 1999, the PDP had dominated the political landscape in Rivers State.

However, the prolonged political clash between the lawmakers and Governor Siminalayi Fubara fractured the party’s long-standing hold.

The crisis culminated in the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by individuals allegedly loyal to the governor and an attempted impeachment move against Governor Fubara by lawmakers aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Concerned by the escalating tensions, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18.

The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the lawmakers.

They were all reinstated on September 17 after the expiration of the six-month emergency period.