A former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party, nPDP, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has said the defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, strengthens signals that the former Governor is fast forwarding towards retrenchment.

In a statement made available to the media, Eze said the lawmakers are stocked in the state legislature like pieces of furniture, receiving orders and prohibitions from Wike, regardless of whether their actions suit the aspirations of their constituents on whose mandate they serve.

He said Wike, who recently boasted of having political structures in Rivers State, has, by his lack of character, succeeded in shooting himself in the foot, and to ensure he doesn’t drown alone, conscripted the 27 lawmakers who he said have embarked on a journey towards losing their seats by Section 109 of the constitution.

GBETU reports that calls are already being made from different angles, including law experts and civil society groups for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to organise an election to fill the vacant offices of the 27 lawmakers, and Eze noted that when that happens, none of them will make it back to the Assembly.

“Though temporarily, let me formally welcome the 27 lawmakers to the cancerous political party as remarked by their Principal, Nyesom Wike, who once described APC as suffering from stage four cancer, which indicates that the party is at the stage of total collapse,” he said.

“It is sad and unfortunate that a man who has predicted the collapse of the party is being treated as someone with the magic wand. Those of us who sacrificed our lives and blood to build up APC will not stay aloof and allow Wike and some of his misguided friends to destroy our party no matter the odds.”

With the state of things in the State, the party chieftain further urged the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, take over the functions of the legislature in the State to avoid crippling its economy and fortunes now that the Governor needs to have his 2024 budget presented and passed.

“This request is crucial and should be considered with swift urgency if the National Assembly has the interest of the State, South South and democracy at heart,” he added.

Eze called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to note that it is no longer advisable to continue to play a gentleman’s game, adding that the Governor must be aware that it is time to take the fight to Wike and dismantle him formally without any further delay.

The former nPDP mouthpiece counselled that the time is ripe for Fubara to dissolve the LGA councils and the state Exco for the general interest of the state and his administration.

He said the dissolution will enable the Governor to select those who share in his vision to be reappointed into the State EXCO.

“If he misses this opportunity he should have himself alone to be blamed”, Eze warned.