~ By David Oguzierem
The political landscape in Rivers State has seen many upheavals, but few events have been as shocking as the mass defection of 27 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This impulsive decision, driven by ambition and a disregard for political integrity, has led to their permanent dismissal.
These lawmakers made a grave mistake by blindly following the orders of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Their choice to abandon the PDP, the party that helped them secure their positions, reflects not only poor judgment but also a profound disloyalty to their constituents.
They acted as if Wike’s charisma could shield them from the consequences of their actions.
Nigerian law is unambiguous: elected officials who switch parties without a division in their original party must vacate their seats. Since no division existed in the PDP at the time of their defection, their actions constituted a blatant violation of the law, making their dismissal not just justified, but absolutely necessary.
In a recent viral video, former Speaker Hon. Martins Amaehule absurdly claimed they never defected to the APC. He went so far as to accuse Rivers State Governor Sir Similaye Fubara of orchestrating their removal. What a disgraceful display! These supposed leaders are now left to eat their words.
The lawmakers’ youthful enthusiasm, which can often inspire action, ultimately blinded them to the serious ramifications of their decisions. They mistakenly believed that aligning with Wike would secure their political futures, failing to grasp the broader political realities that lay ahead.
Their abrupt shift to the APC betrayed the trust of the voters who elected them under the PDP banner. This defection was more than just a political blunder; it was a profound betrayal of the mandate granted to them by the people of Rivers State. The consequences of their rash actions extend far beyond their own careers.
The most significant victims in this political drama were their constituents. By abandoning the PDP, these lawmakers shattered the trust that forms the foundation of representation. Their departure created a leadership void, leaving many voters feeling abandoned and disenfranchised.
Wike’s plan to move to the APC was a misguided assumption that it would guarantee their success. This belief overlooked the fact that political fortunes can shift quickly and dramatically. Rather than securing their futures, their hasty defection resulted in chaos and instability within the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a conversation captured on video, Wike boasted about defecting with all the senators, House members, local government chairmen, and all 32 assembly members. Unfortunately, these 27 assembly members were used as mere pawns in his game. They will likely end their tenure without any significant achievements to show for their reckless gamble.
Loyalty in politics can be a double-edged sword. While it’s important, these lawmakers allowed their loyalty to Wike to cloud their judgment. They prioritized personal ambition over their duty to serve the public, undermining the very principles of accountability and representation they were sworn to uphold.
Their defection was not motivated by a genuine belief in APC policies but was instead an opportunistic move aimed solely at personal gain. This blatant lack of political principles further justifies their removal, revealing a troubling trend in modern politics where self-interest often outweighs public service.
The ripple effects of their defection extended well beyond individual careers. The PDP, a dominant force in Rivers State, now faces challenges in recovering from the loss of these members. Meanwhile, the APC, despite gaining new members, failed to achieve the political strength or legitimacy they had anticipated.
The political instability caused by their mass defection delayed crucial legislative decisions, leaving constituents unrepresented at a vital time. The turmoil that ensued could have been avoided had these lawmakers acted with integrity and foresight. Instead, their actions plunged Rivers State into chaos.
In retrospect, the decision to dismiss these 27 legislators was not merely a legal necessity; it was a crucial step toward restoring order and accountability in Rivers State’s political system. Their permanent removal serves as a stark warning to other politicians tempted to prioritize personal ambition over the rule of law.
The shortsightedness of these lawmakers becomes glaringly clear when considering the long-term implications of their actions. By tying their fortunes exclusively to Wike, they failed to build their own political identities. Their future should have been defined by their own contributions and performance, rather than being dependent on a single political figure.
Ultimately, their dependence on Wike revealed a lack of foresight and political independence. This reckless gamble not only ended their careers but also highlighted the urgent need for integrity and respect for the democratic process in Nigerian politics. They remain sacked, gone for good, and the lessons from their actions should resonate in the corridors of political power for years to come.
*David Oguzierem is the Chairman of Rivers Defense Alliance (RIVDAL)*
Email:daveoguzierem@gmail.com
07031200894,08133034594
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