The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Emeka Beke, has expressed strong criticism towards the 27 lawmakers from the state House of Assembly who have denied their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Beke, a close ally of former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, stated that these lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, cannot escape their affiliation with the APC after publicly defecting.
Speaking at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Beke responded to Amaewhule’s claims that he and his colleagues remain PDP members despite their earlier announcement of defection amidst ongoing political tensions involving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Following their defection, pro-Fubara lawmakers initiated legal action to declare the pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant. The Action Peoples Party also filed a suit against them in the Federal High Court in Abuja, but Justice Peter Lifu dismissed that case, labeling it statute-barred.
In the wake of this judgment, the pro-Wike lawmakers retracted their defection, prompting Beke to label their denial as “shameful.” He 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.”
Beke recalled the public celebration of their defection, referencing a reception hosted by Tony Okocha, who at the time 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 remarked.
Looking ahead, Beke indicated that disciplinary measures would be considered against the pro-Wike lawmakers after the local government elections set for October 5, 2024. He noted that the party is focused on these elections, having already screened and cleared all APC candidates with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
“The APC will fully participate in the upcoming local government elections on October 5. Our candidates have been screened and cleared,” he affirmed. Beke also mentioned the recent court ruling by Justice Aprioku, which upheld his position as the elected chairman of the party in the state, asserting that nothing would impede the APC’s participation in the elections.
He expressed gratitude towards Governor Siminalayi Fubara for fostering a fair electoral environment, stating, “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.”
