Amaechi Loyalists Deny Defection of 8 Assembly Members To Wike's Camp

The leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, a lawyer, has challenged the five lawmakers loyal to the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, to publish the names of eight Rivers lawmakers accused of abandoning Governor Rotimi Amaechi to join their camp.

Lloyd, who represents Emohua Constituency, yesterday in Port Harcourt declared that the Wike group wanted to blackmail the pro-Amaechi lawmakers, in order to secure the majority to impeach the authentic chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

He stated that no amount of blackmail or intimidation would make the 27 lawmakers, including the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, to abandon the Rivers State governor.

The House leader also urged Rivers people to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of provocation and harassment, thereby giving peace a chance.

It was insinuated on Wednesday that eight of the 27-pro-Amaechi legislators, in the 32-member Assembly had been induced by the Wike camp, making them to allegedly betray Amaechi.

The pro-Wike lawmakers include: Michael Chinda (Obio/Akpor II constituency), Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bipi (Ogu/Bolo), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III).

Lloyd had earlier urged members of the public not to mind the rumour mongers, who said eight of them had joined the “rebels.”

Lloyd said: “We are solidly behind His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi..”L