Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress did so without consulting him.
Speaking at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, Wike noted that the lawmakers’ defection affected him.
17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, dumped PDP for APC on December 5, 2025,
Their defection heightened political tension in the state, which had just emerged from a six-month emergency rule.
Shortly after their defection, Governor Siminalayi Fubara also left PDP for APC amid the leadership crisis rocking the former ruling party.
Speaking on Saturday, the FCT Minister said, “Let me thank you Mr Speaker even though it affected me with 17 of you moving out to join APC without consulting me and leaving 10 other members here.
“This is what I have been advising my National Chairman, keep your house in order so that the enemies will not come and take our people.
“The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people, that is why you must be at alert to make sure that enemies don’t take your people.”
Wike vowed to ensure that members of the Assembly who have not defected would never suffer again.
“Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life,” Wike assured.
