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

In a statement released on Saturday, the party described these lawmakers as mere political puppets. It accused them of acting solely at the behest of their “paymaster.” Among those who defected was the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Ini Ememobong, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, further criticized the defectors. He labeled them “clogs in the wheels of democratic progress” and “enemies of democracy.”

Ememobong also vowed that the PDP would initiate legal action. This aims to recover the party’s mandate from the defecting lawmakers.

In the statement, Ememobong highlighted that some of these lawmakers had previously defected and later recanted their decision. He noted that their latest move marks a second defection from the PDP.

“These are people whom the world is aware are doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod,” the statement read.

Ememobong asserted that the lawmakers’ actions since assuming office prove they are “political puppets” and a “clog in the wheels of democratic progress.” He added, “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”

He humorously described their latest move as a “defection from APC to APC,” implying their continuous allegiance.

The National Publicity Secretary further stated that the PDP intends to “take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended).” This action aims to reclaim the mandate secured under the party’s banner, which these individuals have “ignobly and surreptitiously switched to another platform.”

The statement concluded by urging all PDP members in Rivers State to “remain faithful and resolute.” It assured them that efforts are ongoing to rebuild the party through “inclusiveness, fairness, and equity.”