By Milcah Tanimu

The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition (RSEYLC) has strongly criticized the 27 members of the State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for denying their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group claims that the lawmakers have lost their seats and legitimacy as stipulated by Section 109(g) of the Nigerian Constitution.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Legborsi Yamaabana, the RSEYLC expressed outrage at the lawmakers’ audacity to approach a court to deny their actual defection. Yamaabana described the lawmakers’ actions as an insult to the intelligence of the people of Rivers State.

“The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition is appalled by the audacity and shamelessness of the 27 ex-members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who, having defected from the PDP to the APC, now have the gall to deny their defection,” the statement read. “These individuals, who owe their positions to the PDP, have lost their seats and legitimacy as mandated by Section 109(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Yamaabana further explained that the Attorney General of Rivers State countered the lawmakers’ claims, noting that the suit in which they purportedly obtained a favorable judgment was struck out for lack of locus standi and jurisdiction, as well as for being an abuse of court process.

“Such blatant deceit and double-speak are not only disgraceful but also an insult to the intelligence of the people of Rivers State,” Yamaabana said. “The RSEYLC, speaking for the discerning and justice-loving youth of Rivers State, is utterly ashamed of these discredited politicians. Their actions are a stain on our democratic values and an affront to all who believe in truth and justice.”

The group urged all who value integrity and good governance to condemn the actions of the lawmakers. “The people of Rivers State deserve leaders who are honest and committed to serving their constituents, not self-serving opportunists who think they can fool us with their dishonorable antics. Rivers Youths will continue to stand firm against political deceit and corruption, advocating for the integrity and development of our great state.”