A’Ibom: 24 House members from PDP join APC

Mr Udeme Otong, Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has announced that 24 of the 26 members of the House have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Otong, disclosed at plenary on Tuesday that he had received resignation letters from 24 lawmakers, who were formerly affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party.

According to him, Mr Sunday Johnny of Onna State Constituency and Mr Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot of Etina State Constituency did not defect to APC.

“Each of the affected Honourable Members has cited division within the national structure of the Peoples Democratic Party, particularly within its National Executive Council, as the basis of their decision to leave the party under which they were elected,” Otong said.

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.

He cited Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“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 lawmaker.

“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,” he said.

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.