Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, on Friday announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing their move to what they described as a “clear division” within the PDP.
The Speaker formally declared the decision during plenary, where he and 15 other lawmakers stated that lingering crises in the PDP had made their continued membership untenable.
Those who defected alongside Amaewhule 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 House is currently in session as more details about the development are expected.
