27 Rivers Lawmakers Blamed for Leaving PDP Without Consulting Wike, Says Darlington Orji
By Wisdom Tide
09/09/2024
Darlington Orji, the Caretaker Chairman of the Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, has revealed that 27 lawmakers from the state, led by Martins Amaewhule, submitted sworn affidavits confirming their departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Orji made these statements in a video shared by TVC, where he discussed the lawmakers' defection and their relationship with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a key political figure in Rivers State.
According to Orji, Wike himself, who is believed to still have significant influence over the lawmakers, expressed disappointment at their decision to defect from the PDP without consulting him. This admission was made by Wike during a public event where he criticized the lawmakers for their actions. Orji emphasized the gravity of this situation, pointing out that the lawmakers' departure from the party, particularly without the prior knowledge or involvement of Wike, marked a significant shift in the political dynamics of Rivers State.
In the video, Orji recalled Wike’s public statement, where the former governor expressed frustration over the lawmakers' decision to abandon the PDP. "The current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during one of their public functions, explicitly blamed them for leaving the PDP without first consulting him," Orji said. He continued by noting the seriousness of this move, particularly given Wike’s prominent position in the political landscape of both Rivers State and the nation as a whole.
Orji also criticized those who denied the lawmakers' defection, particularly referencing Lucky Ottos, who claimed that the faction led by Martins Amaewhule had not officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ottos, along with others, argued that the group had not entirely committed to the APC and was still being courted by the party. However, Orji strongly contested this claim, asserting that the lawmakers had already made their allegiance clear.
"It is unfortunate that my brother, Lucky Ottos, would suggest that the faction led by Martins Amaewhule has not defected and that the APC is still wooing them. I do not understand what they mean by 'wooing' individuals who have already attended a program where they publicly chanted APC slogans," Orji stated.
He went on to describe a specific event where the lawmakers openly supported the APC, aligning themselves with the party's vision and ideology. Orji pointed out that the lawmakers, during the event, had enthusiastically shouted the APC's well-known slogan, "Change," signaling their loyalty to the party. This public show of support, according to Orji, leaves little doubt about where their true political allegiances lie.
The issue of defection among political figures in Rivers State has sparked considerable debate and tension within both the PDP and APC. The defection of these lawmakers, led by Amaewhule, represents a significant shift in the political landscape of the state, as the PDP has historically held a dominant position. However, the emergence of the APC as a strong contender in the state, coupled with the defection of high-profile figures, has brought new challenges to the PDP’s continued dominance.
Orji’s remarks highlight the deep divisions that have developed within the PDP following the departure of the 27 lawmakers. He underscored the importance of party loyalty and questioned the integrity of those who defected without consulting key party figures like Wike, who had been instrumental in shaping the political careers of many of these lawmakers. The absence of consultation with Wike, who had previously served as the governor of Rivers State and is regarded as a major powerbroker in the region, underscores the growing rift between different factions within the PDP.
The defection of the lawmakers has raised broader questions about the stability and unity of the PDP in Rivers State, particularly as the 2027 elections approach. With the political landscape shifting and new alliances forming, the future of the PDP in the state appears increasingly uncertain. The APC’s continued efforts to attract more prominent figures from the PDP and the defections of these lawmakers suggest that Rivers State could become a key battleground in the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, Darlington Orji’s statements provide insight into the internal struggles within the PDP in Rivers State, particularly in light of the recent defections. His criticism of the lawmakers for leaving the party without consulting Wike, coupled with his dismissal of claims that the group has not fully aligned with the APC, reflects the growing tensions between different political factions in the state. As Rivers State continues to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s political landscape, the developments surrounding these defections will likely have significant implications for both the PDP and the APC in the coming years
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