BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, along with 21 other former members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their action followed a major realignment of political stakeholders across the state that started with the switch from PDP to APC by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyo Okowa, the entire party structure, among others, on Monday, April 28.
With their action, the Assembly has transformed into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members were originally elected on APC ticket.
Announcing the development on Tuesday, May 6, at the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, Guwor said the decision was the result of extensive consultations with their constituents and political leaders throughout the state, stressing that the move aligned with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He expressed appreciation to members for their contributions so far, urging them to ensure the completion of all pending Bills as they approach the end of the second legislative session.
Guwor stated that the political shift towards the APC was in response to the realignment of stakeholders and desire to align with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, adding: “The mass defection of members of the PDP, led by Oborevwori, to the APC was made in the overall interest of Deltans and the state.”
The Speaker explained that the decision followed extensive consultations held on April 23, which cumulated on the official reception on April 28 at the Government House and the Cenotaph, respectively, noting: “We are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver greater development to Deltans.
“On behalf of the House, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of our Governor in making this strategic and timely decision.
“As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour. This renewed partnership between the state and federal government must be supported and allowed to flourish, so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time.”
He informed the House that he had received 22 letters (including his own) of notification of the switch in party affiliation from PDP to APC, reiterating that the defection was informed by instability within the PDP’s national leadership and factional divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive Committee, leading to internal conflicts and disunity within the party.
He cited Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) as constitutional basis for their action, adding: “With this action, the Delta State House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the APC.
“We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action”.
A motion to adopt the letters of notification was moved by the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Ferguson Onwo, representing Isoko South II.
Speaking to journalists after the plenary, Nwaobi re-echoed Guwor’s reason for their defection, saying: “Our decision was based on the instability at the national level and the factionalisation at the South-South level.
“Consequently, we chose to move to the ruling APC, in accordance with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
