Six
of the eight Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the Lagos State House
of Assembly have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The
letter of defection, jointly signed by five lawmakers, was read in the House by
the Acting Clerk, Azeez Sanni.
They
said they were defecting because of the division, infighting and
factionalisation of the PDP.
“The
nation cannot develop under a fractured PDP, no clear vision, ambition and
policy and we can’t serve two masters.
“The
division in the party is hampering it from fulfilling its goals.
“The
success story of Lagos State and the House’s leadership style also informed our
defection to further serve our constituents better and deliver on the promises
made,” the letter read.
The
lawmakers are Minority Whip Mrs. Sangodara Mosumola Rotimi (Surulere 2);
Famakinwa Adedayo Olufemi (Ajeromi/Ifelodun 1); Oluwa Olatunji Fatai
(Ajeromi/Ifelodun 2); Sokunle Hakeem (Oshodi/Isolo 1) and Idimogun Jude Emeka
(Oshodi/Isolo 2).
In
a dramatic twist, the sixth member, the Minority leader, Akeem Bello (Amuwo
Odofin 2), announced his defection when he was given an opportunity to
contribute to the debate.
Each
of the defectors was given a chance to speak. They acknowledged that they wrote
and signed the letter.
Sangodara
said: “I decided to join the winning team to serve my constituents
better. We are all aware of what is happening in the PDP, it is not good enough
to be part of the disharmony going on in the PDP.”
Famakinwa
said: “My decision to quit the PDP is borne out of the monumental achievements
recorded by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. I oversee the Establishment ministry and
I can tell you the governor does not owe pensioners. That in itself is a great
achievement.”
Oluwa
said: “I am moving to the APC due to the fracas and division in my former party
and also because of the leadership style of the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and
Governor Ambode.”
Idimogun
said: “I appreciate the relationship in the House; Ambode is very kind to me
and my constituency. He has treated us without bias, and there is no other way
to reward him but to join him in taking Lagos forward. APC for me is a better
wife now. My kinsmen, the Ibo, have been looking on to me to carry them to the
winning team, which is APC”.
Shokunle
said: “APC is a good party and I want to align with it.”
After
they spoke, the Speaker instructed the remaining 35 lawmakers to stand while
the defectors remain seated to welcome them formally, promising that the party
leadership will still welcome them at a later date.
Obasa
raised a song and was joined by other members. The song was: “You are welcome in the name of the
Lord (twice), we can see all over you the glory of the Lord, you are welcome in
the name of the Lord”. They took the chorus twice.
All
the APC members hailed the courage of the five defectors for recognising that
PDP was a sinking ship.
A
PDP member, Victor Akande (Ojo 1) congratulated the Speaker for “your doggedness
and what you stand for. I am very happy to be part of this Eighth Assembly at a
time when we have a performing governor”.
“To
my former party members I congratulate you and wish you all you desire to gain
in your political journey. Whatever has happened here is a lesson for my party
to do the needful and get itself right. It is good, it is democracy at work, we
are not going to waiver, we will stand and God will help us”, Akande said.
The
other PDP lawmaker, Dipo Olorunrinu (Amuwo Odofin 1) , also hailed the Speaker
for his leadership style and courage in winning over the six former PDP members
.
“I
appreciate your style of leadership and other principal officers.”
Obasa
praised his colleagues for the achievement, saying without them the achievement
wouldn’t have been possible.
“No
matter the party we belong we have resolved to put before us the people of
Lagos.
He
told the remaining two PDP members that APC was waiting for them, whenever they
decide to defect.
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Politics