27 Rivers lawmakers join APC in move against Gov Fubara

Twenty-seven members of the Rivers State House of Assembly announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, accusing Gov. Siminialayi Fubara of not releasing money for the administration of the state assembly.

The move adds a dramatic twist to the political crisis in the oil-rich state where Fubara’s attempt to assert himself has angered his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and his supporters.

Wike handpicked Fubara, the state’s former accountant general, to become governor early this year, and has vowed to fight the governor’s attempt to dismantle the political structure of the Peoples Democratic Party that is loyal to Wike.

The state lawmakers, most of them Wike loyalists, moved against Fubara and attempted to impeach him weeks ago.

Serving better

On Monday, the members adopted a resolution condemning the alleged withholding of funds for the management of the state assembly.

Twenty-seven members, led by the House speaker, Martin Amaewhule, thereafter, announced their defection to the APC. The assembly has 32 members.

The members cited divisions in the PDP as the reason for crossing to the APC.

Speaking after reading the letters signed by the defected lawmakers, Amaewhule directed the clerk of the House to convey their resolution to the governor, Gov Fubara and relevant authorities.

The members said their decision was to enable them serve the state better.