The Rivers State faction of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recognised by the national headquarters in Abuja has lowered the hammer on the state governor, Rt. Hon. Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, over alleged anti-party activities.

The expulsion of Amaechi, who had earlier been indefinitely suspended by PDP’s national leadership, was announced yesterday afternoon in Port Harcourt at a press conference addressed by Rivers PDP Secretary Ibibia Walters. The action came barely 24 hours after eight opposition governors under the banner of the emergent All Progressives Congress (APC) paid Amaechi a solidarity visit. To Rivers PDP, the romance with APC is an indication that the embattled governor’s heart is with the party and no longer with PDP.

“The PDP therefore bids him farewell from the party and also wishes him well in his future endeavours with the yet to be registered APC while calling all and sundry to rally round President Goodluck Jonathan,” Walters said.

He accused Amaechi of flagrant abuse of office and of nursing a secret ambition to run as vice presidential candidate during the 2015 general elections.

•Photo shows Governor Amaechi.