The People Democratic Party (PDP) announced plans to request the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for new elections to replace the 27 members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The defection was triggered by internal party division over the National Secretary position, complicating communications channels. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, affirmed the party’s commitment to exploring all options to reclaim the seats, emphasizing adherence to the law.

Meanwhile, the APC welcomed the defected lawmakers, describing it as a positive development aligned with the party’s open-door policy. The National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, highlighted the party’s readiness to accept new members contributing to democratic development.

### Civil Society Groups Caution Police Amidst Political Crisis

Rivers Civil Society Groups warned the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to remain neutral in the political crisis unfolding in the state. The coalition urged the police not to favor any faction and emphasized adherence to court orders. They expressed concerns about potential unrest and issued a caution to avoid any partisanship, recalling previous incidents of alleged police alignment with lawlessness in 2013.

### Rivers State Executive Council Approves N800 Billion Budget for 2024

The Rivers State Executive Council approved a budget estimate of N800 billion for the 2024 fiscal year. The budget, titled “Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity,” allocates N412 billion for capital expenditure and N361 billion for recurrent expenditure. The state government aims to focus on infrastructure, education, health, and security, offering a renewed hope for continual project development and human capital growth. Governor Siminialayi Fubara expressed optimism about the positive impact of the budget on the state.