Two Lawmakers in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have yet to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, despite 24 of their colleagues migrating to the All Progressives Congress.
The two lawmakers — Sunday Johnny (Onna State Constituency) and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency) — are said to be loyalists of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has maintained silence since his successor, Governor Umo Eno, defected to the APC.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong revealed that 24 of the 26 members had officially defected to the APC, citing disagreements among the national leadership of the PDP.
Otong said the lawmakers relied on Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows elected officials to defect in cases of internal party crisis.
He 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 an 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 affiliation, the speaker urged all Lawmakers to stay focused on their legislative duties.
A motion to adopt the speaker’s remarks and the defection letters was moved by Lawrence Udoide (Ini) and seconded by Bassey Bassey (Okobo).
