A total of 24 out of the 26 members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
The remaining two PDP lawmakers, Mr Sunday Johnny of Onna state constituency and Mr Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot of Etinan state constituency, did not defect to APC.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, revealed this during Tuesday’s plenary, stating that the affected honourable members had cited division within the national structure of PDP, particularly within its National Executive Council, as the basis for their decision to leave the party under which they were elected.
The Speaker said that the situation had made it difficult for lawmakers to effectively represent their constituencies and deliver the benefits of democracy to them.
Citing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Otong said: “It is upon this constitutional provision that I have weighed your written submissions.
“You have each indicated that your defection is not out of political convenience or self-interest, but arises from a demonstrable division within the national leadership of the PDP.
“A division which, by your account, has affected party cohesion, disrupted policy direction and hindered your ability to function as effective lawmakers.
“Let me state here that this House remains a symbol of democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of the legislative institution.
“Regardless of party lines, we must remain focused on our duty to make laws and decisions that advance the interest of Akwa Ibom people.”
A motion to adopt the Speaker’s address and the letters regarding the party changes was moved by Mr Lawrence Udoide, member representing Ini State Constituency, and seconded by Mr Bassey Bassey of Okobo state constituency.
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