By Ken Afor
The Twenty-seven lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, who have recently switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have attributed their decision to the internal discord within the party.
In separate letters written to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, and subsequently presented during the parliamentary session, the legislators ascribed their choice to the ongoing power struggle for the role of the National Secretary of the PDP. They contended that this conflict has resulted in disarray and impeded effective communication channels within the party.
The lawmakers have stated that the current disagreement regarding the position has sparked a legal conflict within the PDP, resulting in multiple members filing lawsuits in various courts.
As per the defecting lawmakers, this situation has caused confusion and has significantly fragmented the party.
The mass exodus occurs amidst an ongoing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Analysts speculate that the legislators’ decision is connected to their allegiance to Wike and his endeavors to uphold “his political framework” in Rivers State.
It would be recalled a couple of weeks back, during a gathering with traditional leaders, Governor Fubara emphasized his commitment to preserving the mandate and advancing without succumbing to intimidation, blackmail, or deliberate sabotage in the state.
In November, Wike during a media parley addressed the growing political crisis and made a firm commitment to safeguard his political influence within the state, emphasizing his determination to take any necessary measures.
“Fubara is importing the crisis through his actions,” Wike said.
“Let me tell you – I don’t like ingrates. I can’t stand it. What is happening now (in Rivers) is what Odili said in his book: ‘Give a man power and money, then you will know the person.’ If you haven’t given manpower and money then you don’t know the person.”
