The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has thrown a subtle jibe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the ruling party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike, who is leading a faction of the PDP, spoke at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday.
The minister revealed that the defected members of the house, including the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, did not inform him before their move.
On December 5, the 17 PDP members left for the APC.
Their defection heightened political tension in the state, which had just emerged from a six-month emergency rule.
Shortly after their defection, governor Siminalayi Fubara also left PDP for APC, amid the leadership crisis rocking the former ruling party.
“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,” Wike stated.
“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.
