Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally welcomed members of the National Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara described their decision as courageous, principled, and forward-looking.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the governor, Boniface Onyedi, and sent to newsmen on Tuesday evening.
According to the statement, the governor noted that the lawmakers’ action represents a bold demonstration of commitment to the collective progress of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
It read, “Those who defected include two distinguished senators, Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East) and Senator Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East), as well as members of the House of Representatives — Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi and Felix Nwaeke.”
The governor also commended them for aligning with earlier defectors who had already taken similar steps in support of his administration and the ruling APC.
“These include Hon. Boniface Emerengwa, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, and Hon. Boma Goodhead, who joined the APC from the PDP, as well as Hon. Umezuruike Manuchim, who joined the APC from the Labour Party in solidarity with the Rivers State governor,” the statement added.
Fubara noted that the lawmakers’ decision goes beyond mere political realignment, describing it as a strong validation of his own earlier decision to join the APC.
He stated that the development signals the emergence of a united and strategic political front aimed at fully integrating Rivers State into the centre of national governance.
According to the governor, “This alignment will position Rivers State to maximise opportunities for accelerated growth, inclusive development and long-term sustainability.”
He further noted that the growing coalition reflects the visible transformation taking place under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Fubara expressed confidence that the expanding support base in Rivers State would contribute significantly to the success of the President’s ongoing reforms.
He reaffirmed his unwavering resolve to deliver victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections and called on all well-meaning people of Rivers State to join the APC in ushering in a new era of progressive politics, peace, stability, and unprecedented prosperity.
