The factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, leading the 27 lawmakers who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that their move was aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Addressing APC stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Amaewhule explained that their defection adhered to Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, ensuring strict compliance with due process. He emphasized that their decision was prompted by the perceived division within the PDP, as allowed by the constitutional provision.
“We made sure we did not do anything outside the 1999 Constitution… Section 109 (1g) allows serving legislators who want to defect to do so with a proviso that there is a division in the party. There is clearly a division in the PDP, so in line with this section, we defected to APC,” stated Amaewhule.
He asserted that the evidence of the PDP’s internal division was presented as required by the Constitution to legitimize their defection. Amaewhule highlighted President Tinubu’s commitments to federal infrastructure projects in Rivers State as a key factor in their decision. He cited the swift commencement of the Port Harcourt-Onne East West Road reconstruction as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to the region.
Furthermore, Amaewhule pointed to Tinubu’s track record of federal appointments for Rivers residents, regardless of political affiliations, as another reason for their shift to APC. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s agenda, stating that it would contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“We analysed the president’s quick start of his assurance when he started with the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Onne East West Road,” said Amaewhule. He noted that the ongoing projects would benefit key establishments in the region.
Accusing the PDP of failing to condemn the demolition of the Assembly complex, Amaewhule also criticized the alleged non-release of funding to the assembly by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, claiming it was against the law.
The National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, represented by Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, assured the defected lawmakers that the party recognized their decision to join APC and was committed to resolving internal issues in Rivers State.
In response, Tony Okocha, the state Caretaker Committee Chairman, emphasized the importance of planning for the future and building a robust foundation for the party. He pledged strong support to the lawmakers within the APC framework.
