BREAKING: 6 LP lawmakers defect to PDP, as Agbo calls for recognition of Labour Party leaders in Enugu
Six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Labour Party has officially announced their defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
Trend Africa reports that the lawmakers announced their defection on the floor of the House during their plenary that’s ongoing as at the time of this report.
According to the defectors, their defection is as a result of the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the labour party at the national level and across all the state chapters.
“Regrettably, the party has evolved into state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.
“The Labour party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas have regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates.
They cited the cases of Abure and Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer and their parent Body, NLC as some of the divisions within the party.
They expressed hope that the PDP will give them the platform to continue to serve the interests of their people and thanked the leaderships of Labour Party for their supports.
It was gathered that those that announced their defection include: the Chief Whip of the house and member representing Igboeze North I, Hon. Ejike Eze; The leader of the house and member representing Enugu North, Hon. Johnson Ugwu; the member representing Enugu South Urban, Hon. Princess Ugwu.
Others are: member representing Nsukka West, Hon. Pius Ezeugwu; Member representing Igbo-Etiti East, Hon. Amuka Williams and member representing Oji River, Hon Osita Eze.
The motion for their defection to be accepted was moved by Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu and was seconded by Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh.
Reacting to this incident, the Labour Party Chairman in Enugu State, Barr. Casmir Agbo while on telephone interview with our correspondent said that the reason for the defection was hinged on the division in the national leadership of the party, and all manner of financial malfeasance greeting the party, maintaining that he is envisaging more defection of Labour Party lawmakers to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
Agbo further reiterated the readiness of his party to cooperate effectively with the administration of Dr. Peter Mbah in developing the state, urging the governor to give some of the Labour Party leaders in the state an opportunity to serve and equally grant the incessant request of Chijioke Edeoga, the party’s governorship candidate to pick some candidates for juicy political positions.
“The defection was real. They submitted a letter to us, the party and after thorough analysis, we discovered that their reasons were cogent. So, the constitution guarantees the citizens of the country the freedom of association (political) and we can’t discourage them to move into any party of their choice. Our concern is that they should make laws that will impact positively on the people of Enugu State, and they should equally help us to appeal to governor Mbah to recognize Chief Chijioke Edeoga, our candidate and grant him the request he has been making. Politics is now over and it is time for governance. We as a party are ready to work with the current administration having seen his track records of performance since he was sworn in in May 29,2023.” Agbo said.
Chijioke Mbadiwe, Trend Africa News
