The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the 16 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are free to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, adding that his camp would continue to work with the remaining lawmakers still loyal to the party.
Wike stated this today while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.
Earlier today 16 lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing irreconcilable dispute within the party as the reason for their defection.
Reacting to the news, Wike described the development as unfortunate, while calling on all members of the peoples democratic party to put their house in order or risk sinking further to the bottom.
The PDP had maintained a tight grip on the oil-rich state since 1999, until the protracted crisis which pitched the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The crisis led to the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) as the administrator.
Before the presidential emergency rule expired on September 17, the President reinstated Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers.
