Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Amaewhule announced the lawmakers’ decision during plenary on Friday, citing what he described as a “division” within the PDP as the reason for their defection.

He told lawmakers he had formally notified his ward chairman of his exit from the PDP, adding that he had already joined the APC.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time.

But as I speak today, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am happy to be a member of APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. Mr President is doing so much for this country.”

Amaewhule praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the President “means well for Nigeria’’ and had shown “love to Rivers State.”