Connect with us

News

Six More Rivers Lawmakers Defect to APC as PDP Loses Grip on State Caucus

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Quick Summary:
Six additional PDP lawmakers and two senators from Rivers State defect to the APC, deepening the political realignment following Governor Fubara’s earlier defection.

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the political crisis in Rivers State escalated as six more members of the House of Representatives defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers’ letters of defection were read during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who cited “irreconcilable differences” and the unresolved leadership crisis within the PDP as the main reasons for their departure.

Details of the Defection

The defecting lawmakers are:

  • Robinson Dekor (Khana/Gokana)
  • Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East)
  • Cyril Hart (Degema/Bonny)
  • Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni)
  • Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II)
  • Felix Nwaeke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai)

Their exit marks another major blow to the PDP’s representation in the National Assembly, further consolidating the APC’s dominance in the state’s federal delegation.

Broader Impact on Rivers State Caucus

The defection significantly weakens the PDP’s presence in the House of Representatives.

Following a previous wave of exits last week involving Boniface Emerengwa, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Boma Goodhead, and one Labour Party member, the PDP’s Rivers caucus has now shrunk from 12 members to just two or three.

Only House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Kelechi Nwogu, and reportedly Anderson Allison Igbiks remain on the PDP platform.

During the session, Chinda raised a point of order urging the Speaker to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, but Speaker Abbas declined to make an immediate ruling.

Simultaneous Senate Defections

On the same day, two PDP senators from Rivers State also formally defected to the APC on the floor of the Senate:

  • Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East)
  • Senator Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East)

These developments follow the high-profile defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the APC on December 5, 2025, a move that has effectively shifted the political balance of the South-South region in favor of the ruling party.

News

Wike says the labour union’s strike in Abuja is politically motivated.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the indefinite strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress as politically motivated.

The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration over unresolved concerns about teachers’ promotions, including the requirement for vacant positions before promotions can be granted. The labour council directed workers in schools, hospitals, government offices and other establishments to withdraw their services.

Wike, however, maintained that the issues raised by labour had already been addressed and were being implemented. He also claimed that the Trade Union Congress and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had distanced themselves from the action.

The minister warned that the government would enforce its “no work, no pay” policy against participating workers. He further alleged that the FCT NLC chairman was pursuing a political agenda linked to the African Democratic Congress.

The dispute has therefore extended beyond the immediate questions surrounding teachers’ promotions, with both sides maintaining sharply different positions on the status of the negotiations.

Continue Reading

News

Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Imo Governor Okorocha and Araraume Over Alleged Forgery.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

A Senior Magistrate Court sitting in Jiwa, Abuja, has issued bench warrants for the arrest of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and two others over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and the presentation of false documents.

The court also ordered the arrest of Timothy Ama Chuks and Amen Okorocha, who are accused of conspiring with Okorocha to produce and submit allegedly fabricated All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary results.

The warrants, issued on September 9, 2026, authorise police officers nationwide to arrest the four suspects and produce them before Senior Magistrate Court 3 in Jiwa, Abuja. The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police.

The development follows a complaint by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which asked the police and the Department of State Services to investigate Okorocha over his alleged circulation of fake primary election results.

INEC said the authentic results submitted by the APC showed that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma won the Imo West Senatorial District primary. The commission added that the party subsequently submitted Uzodimma’s name as its candidate.

In a letter dated October 8, 2026, INEC described the document allegedly presented by Okorocha as “fraudulent and fictitious.” It urged security agencies to investigate the matter, warning that the alleged conduct could threaten law and order in Imo State.

The accused persons have yet to appear before the court to respond to the allegations.

Continue Reading

News

Alleged Sexual Offense: Poco Lee Returns to Social Media Following Arrest in the UK.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Nigerian dancer and influencer Poco Lee has returned to social media following his arrest in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offenses.

According to reports, Poco Lee was arrested and remanded in August 2026 after reportedly facing five charges, including two counts of assault by penetration, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of rape. He was released on bail in September 2026.

Since his release, the dancer had largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he recently shared new photographs on Instagram with the caption, “ODINAKA,” while asking fans to forgive his absence from social media.

In the background music, he reportedly said in Yoruba, “E ma binu pe mi si ni online oo,” meaning, “Please forgive me for not being online.”

Several celebrities, including Zlatan, Israel DMW, Phyno, Yhemo Lee, Cubana Chief Priest, Cute Abiola, Destiny Etiko, Kiekie, and others, welcomed his return in the comment section.

Continue Reading

Trending

∧