By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition, RSEYLC, has frowned at the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike in Rivers State over their denial of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Recall that the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule had earlier in December 2023, declared their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, during their sitting at the conference hall of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, however, following the declaration of their seats vacant by the assembly, the defected lawmakers made a u-turn denying their defection.
This was followed by a declaration by a Degema High Court in the state that the lawmakers didn’t defect from the party which sponsored their elections and as such still members of the assembly and PDP.
But in reaction to the claim by the embattled lawmakers, RSEYLC, said the action of the 27 lawmakers was shameful and an insult to the sensibility of Rivers people.
The statement which was signed by its Chairman, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana said their action is a stain on the democratic values of the country.
He said: “The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition (RSEYLC) is appalled by the audacity and shamelessness of the 27 ex-members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who, having defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), now have the gall to deny their defection. These individuals, who owe their positions to the PDP, have lost their seats and legitimacy as mandated by Section 109(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yet, in a brazen display of dishonesty, they now falsely claim to have secured a court judgment asserting their continued membership of the PDP”.
“Such blatant deceit and double-speaking are not only disgraceful but also an insult to the intelligence of the people of Rivers State. These lawmakers, who have shown their true colors by abandoning the party that sponsored their elections, now attempt to cling to power through lies and subterfuge. It is a desperate and dishonorable move that only highlights their lack of integrity and moral bankruptcy.
“The RSEYLC, speaking for the discerning and justice-loving youth of Rivers State, is utterly ashamed of these politicians. Their actions are a stain on our democratic values and an affront to all who believe in truth and justice”.
While quoting the Attorney General of Rivers State, Yamaabana said the suit in which they claim to have obtained a judgment was struck out for want of locus standi and jurisdiction, as well as for being an abuse of court process.
The group called on all who value integrity and good governance to join them in condemning the actions of the lawmakers.
The statement said Rivers youths will continue to stand firm against political deceit and corruption while advocating for the integrity and development of the state.
