The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, without consulting him.
Wike, who spoke at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, noted that their defection affected him.
On December 5, 2025, the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, left PDP for APC.
Their defection heightened political tension in the state, which had just emerged from a six-month emergency rule.
Shortly after their defection, Governor Sim Fubara also left PDP for APC amid the leadership crisis rocking the former ruling party.
Speaking on Saturday, Wike said: “Let me thank you Mr Speaker even though it affected me with 17 of you moving out to join APC without consulting me and leaving 10 other members here.
“This is what I have been advising my National Chairman, keep your house in order so that the enemies will not come and take our people.
“The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people, that is why you must be at alert to make sure that enemies don’t take your people.”
The minister vowed to ensure that members of the assembly who have not defected would never suffer again.
“Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life,” he added.