The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the defection of several Rivers State House of Assembly members. These lawmakers recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PDP described them as “political puppets.” The party stated they are merely executing the agenda of their “paymaster.” Among those who defected is the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Ini Ememobong, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement regarding the defections. He labeled the defectors as “clogs in the wheels of democratic progress.” Ememobong further called them “enemies of democracy.”

The party has also vowed to pursue legal action against these lawmakers. Their goal is to reclaim the mandates secured under the PDP platform.

Ememobong highlighted the repeated nature of the defections. He noted that some Rivers lawmakers had previously defected and then recanted. They have now rejoined the APC.

“These individuals are simply doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod,” Ememobong asserted. He accused the Rivers State House of Assembly members of acting as “political puppets” since assuming office.

Their actions, he added, hinder democratic progress and make a mockery of the legislature. “They will be remembered as enemies of democracy,” he asserted. Ememobong humorously described their latest move as a “defection from APC to APC.”

The PDP confirmed its intent to initiate legal proceedings. The party aims to invoke provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This step is crucial to recover mandates won under the PDP’s banner.

These mandates, the party argues, have been “ignobly and surreptitiously switched” to another political platform.

The statement concluded with an appeal to all PDP members in Rivers State. They were urged to “remain faithful and resolute.” The party assured members that efforts are ongoing to rebuild the PDP. This rebuilding focuses on inclusiveness, fairness, and equity.