Rivers APC to Address Pro-Wike Lawmakers Amidst Political Rift with Governor Fubara
The internal discord within Rivers State's political landscape has deepened, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares to take action against lawmakers aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike. These lawmakers, who have been at the center of a political tug-of-war between Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have claimed continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite allegations of defection to the APC.
This controversy raises significant questions about the shifting alliances and power struggles in the state, potentially setting the stage for a more heated confrontation.
The Emergence of a Rift
The growing conflict between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former Governor Wike has taken a new turn following claims of defection to the APC by the pro-Wike lawmakers. These legislators, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, were accused of crossing over to the APC amid the political turmoil involving Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In response, pro-Fubara lawmakers moved quickly, seeking a legal declaration to vacate the seats of their colleagues who allegedly switched parties. Additionally, the Action Peoples Party (APP) took legal action, filing a suit against the lawmakers at the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, on Friday, September 20, Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the APP’s case, citing that the suit was statute-barred. The court's ruling created a new layer of complexity, as the lawmakers accused of defection maintained that they had not abandoned the PDP.
Pro-Wike Lawmakers’ Denial of Defection
Following the court ruling, the pro-Wike lawmakers firmly denied allegations of defection to the APC. Their denial appeared in stark contrast to the claims made by the Rivers APC, which had already embraced these lawmakers as new members. In particular, Speaker Amaewhule, alongside his colleagues, stressed that they remain loyal members of the PDP, rejecting any notion of having switched political allegiances.
This public denial has created a state of confusion, as their political positioning is now in question. Their claim contradicts widespread reports and visible signs of their alignment with the APC during the state’s political crisis. However, the lawmakers’ refusal to admit to defection has also fueled frustration within the APC leadership in Rivers State, which has condemned their actions as dishonest.
APC’s Reaction to the Denial
Reacting to the lawmakers’ rejection of the defection allegations, the Chairman of the Rivers APC, Chief Emeka Beke, criticized their denial, calling it a “shameful” attempt to evade the truth. During a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Saturday, September 21, Beke expressed disappointment in the lawmakers for what he described as an attempt to mislead the public.
In his remarks, Beke stated: “I want to put it on record that those 27 members of the House of Assembly are still members of the APC. The law is clear on defection. They cannot run away from the truth because we all know and saw it when they defected to our party.”
He emphasized that the law should take its course, implying that the APC would not let this issue slide without consequences. According to Beke, the lawmakers' public defection cannot be denied simply for political expediency, as it was witnessed and documented by the public.
Legal and Political Consequences
The ongoing political drama is likely to result in further legal and political battles as both parties continue to assert their claims. The Rivers APC appears to be poised for decisive action against the lawmakers, potentially leading to further court cases or internal party measures to solidify its position.
Governor Fubara's camp, meanwhile, remains determined to assert its influence within the PDP and push back against Wike’s allies. As both sides continue to vie for control, this situation highlights the broader power struggle that often plays out within state-level politics in Nigeria.
Wike's Influence and the Future of Rivers Politics
At the center of this political maelstrom is Nyesom Wike, whose influence over the political scene in Rivers remains significant, despite his exit as governor. His move to the APC and subsequent appointment as Minister of the FCT has altered the dynamics within the state, creating friction between his supporters and the current administration of Governor Fubara.
The pro-Wike lawmakers’ loyalty to him has put them at odds with Fubara, creating a factional struggle that could reshape Rivers State’s political future. With the APC eager to capitalize on Wike’s influence, while the PDP seeks to retain its hold over the state, the political rivalry is likely far from over.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation in Rivers State exemplifies the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances are fluid, and power struggles often lead to deep divisions within political parties. As the Rivers APC prepares to confront the pro-Wike lawmakers over their purported defection, the political landscape remains unpredictable. With court battles looming and the state's leadership in flux, the coming months may see further escalations, which could significantly influence the direction of both the APC and PDP in Rivers State
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