Apc Welcomes 27 Defecting Lawmakers In Rivers State Amidst Controversy

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially received 27 state lawmakers who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The transition was marked by a ceremony held at the Port Harcourt Polo Club and presided over by the Rivers APC Caretaker Chairman, Tony Okocha.

During the event, Okocha, in a bold accusation, pointed fingers at the Rivers State Government, alleging their involvement in orchestrating the arson that befell the Rivers State Assembly. He challenged Governor Sim Fubara and the PDP to refute these claims and prove their innocence to the people of Rivers State.

“How did the fire ‘catch’ the place?” Okocha questioned the audience, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation of the assembly incident.

In response to the defection, the PDP had urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the lawmakers' seats vacant, citing the destruction of the assembly complex as grounds for their call. Despite this, Governor Fubara proceeded to present the 2024 budget to the remaining lawmakers at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Tony Okocha, however, contested the PDP's stance, asserting that the defectors have the right to convene and legislate in any location, rejecting the notion that the physical structure of the assembly defines its existence.

“So, our assembly members that have defected to us – 27 of them – are free to meet anywhere as far as the symbol of authority – the maze – is there,” Okocha affirmed.

Martin Amaewhule, leading the group of defectors and speaking at the ceremony attended by 26 lawmakers, emphasized their commitment to due process and adherence to the constitutional provisions for defection.

“We made sure that we followed due process. We made sure we did not do anything outside the provisions of the 1999 Constitution," Amaewhule explained. "In line with that provision, we defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC)."

The political landscape in Rivers State remains tense as the APC welcomes the new members, and the controversy surrounding the assembly's destruction and the declaration of vacant seats continues to unfold.