Twenty-seven state lawmakers have officially joined the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The welcoming ceremony, presided over by Rivers APC Caretaker Chairman Tony Okocha, unfolded at the Port Harcourt Polo Club.
During the event, Okocha levied serious accusations against the Rivers State Government, alleging its involvement in orchestrating the arson that consumed the Rivers State Assembly.
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“I challenge the Governor (Sim Fubara and the PDP) to prove to Rivers people that they are not the ones responsible for the burning of the Rivers Assembly,” he told the gathering on Monday.
“How did the fire ‘catch’ the place?” the APC chieftain asked.
The timing of the defection aligns with heightened tensions surrounding the political space.
In response to the defection, the PDP swiftly called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant. This call gained momentum as the Fubara government took drastic action by demolishing the assembly complex, citing the fire incident as the primary reason.
Governor Fubara, undeterred by the controversy, proceeded to present the 2024 budget to the remaining lawmakers at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
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Despite the PDP’s insistence on declaring the seats vacant, Okocha, at the reception ceremony, defiantly asserted that the defectors have the authority to convene and enact laws irrespective of the PDP’s stance.
“How many days ago, we were told that they had pulled down the assembly – as early as 7:00 am – they pulled down the assembly. But let’s say this clearly: assembly does not infer a structure. Assembly is not a building. Assembly is the human beings who are members of the assembly,” Okocha said.
“So, our assembly members that have defected to us – 27 of them – are free to meet anywhere as far as the symbol of authority – the maze – is there.”