Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal divisions within the PDP as the reason for his departure.
Naija News reports that Amaewhule made the announcement during plenary, also revealing that 15 other lawmakers had joined him in dumping the PDP for the ruling APC.
“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your speaker has decided and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” Amaewhule declared.
He said steps were being taken to ensure he is issued an APC membership card soon.
Amaewhule said, “I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the APC is issued to me in no time. But as we speak today, I am a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr. President.”
The speaker praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting him with efforts to improve national security and empower Rivers State within the federal structure.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing so much for this country. He means well for Nigeria. He is tackling the issue of security headlong. The president has shown love to Rivers state,” he said.
Amaewhule said the decision to defect was taken in the interest of aligning with the centre for the benefit of Rivers people.
Amaewhule noted that the lingering crisis within the PDP was the major factor that pushed him and his colleagues out of the party.
“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in PDP,” he stated.