Rivers APC Chairman Criticizes Lawmakers’ Defection Denial

In a stern rebuke, Chief Emeka Beke, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has criticized the 27 lawmakers from the state House of Assembly who have denied their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Beke, an ally of former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, asserted that these lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, cannot deny their membership in the APC after openly defecting.

The controversy surrounding the lawmakers’ defection arose amid a political crisis involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Pro-Fubara lawmakers had filed a lawsuit to declare the seats of the pro-Wike lawmakers vacant, while the Action Peoples Party (APP) initiated a suit against them at the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the APP’s suit on Friday, deeming it statute-barred.

Following the judgment, the pro-Wike lawmakers denied their defection to the APC. Beke described their denial as “shameful,” stating, “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.”

Beke emphasized that their defection was publicly celebrated, recalling a reception ceremony hosted by Tony Okocha, who then claimed to be the CTC Chairman of Rivers State APC. “They cannot sheepishly make a U-turn and yet be celebrated by the same Tony Okocha whom they are now denying. What a shame,” he added.

The APC chairman indicated that appropriate disciplinary actions would be taken against the pro-Wike lawmakers after the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. He mentioned that the party had fully prepared to participate in these elections, and all APC candidates had been screened and cleared by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Beke also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for providing a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming elections. “This is the first time in the history of politics in Rivers State that we are seeing a governor who is ready to give all parties the opportunity to test their popularity, allowing Rivers people to elect their preferred chairmen and councillors,” he stated.

The APC chairman reaffirmed that the party would participate fully in the local government elections, despite any attempts to hinder their progress. “Nothing will stop the APC from participating fully in the local government elections. If anyone claims otherwise, I have instructed our lawyers to secure a warrant of arrest because, as a party, we believe in the rule of law,” he said.