Six lawmakers from Rivers State in the House of Representatives, who were elected under the Peoples Democratic Party, have crossed over to the All Progressives Congress.
The Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, announced their defection notices during the special sitting convened for the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills.
In their defection letters, the representatives attributed their decision to ongoing crises that are destroying unity in their erstwhile party.
They praised the impressive performance of President Bola Tinubu’s government in the past two years and committed to supporting the administration’s efforts to reconstruct the country.
The defecting members include Dum Dekor (Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency), Solomon Bob (Ahoada East/Abua/Odual Federal Constituency), and Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba Federal Constituency).
The others are Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2), Felix Nweke (Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency), and Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency).
Several national APC officials were permitted into the chamber to observe the proceedings, including Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and National Youth Leader Dayo Israel.
However, invoking a point of order, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda asserted that defections announced on the floor of the House lack legal support, while Deputy Minority Leader Ali Isa maintained that the defectors risk losing their seats.
In his response, the Speaker recognised their concerns but emphasised that any lawmaker who wishes to formally notify the House of their defection is always allowed to do so.
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