The Delta State House of Assembly has formally become 100 percent All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated legislature following the defection of 22 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, who said the defection was done for the progress of the state.
Announcing the development, the speaker said: “My esteemed colleagues, I wish to use this opportunity to stress that Delta State is one big family.
“The mass defection of members from the PDP, in the state led by the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the APC was done in the overall best interest of all Deltans and the state.
“It was an action of wide consultation across the board and all stakeholders in the state, which culminated on the 23rd and 28th of April at the Government House and Cenotaph, respectively.”
Explaining the objective behind the decision, Guwor added: “We are ever committed to align with the federal government to deliver more development to Deltans and the state.
“On behalf of the House, I salute this uncommon courage and visionary and exemplary leadership shown by our leader and the people’s governor in taking this well-thought-out strategic decision at this point.”
He maintained that the state legislature was united behind the governor’s move, saying “I want to state it on record that as a House we are with His Excellency in this regard.”
While describing the realignment as a necessary path to progress, Guwor said “this renewed hope partnership between the government at the center and the state government must be supported by all so that we begin to reap the accruable benefits sooner than later.
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“On this note, I wish to inform this House that I have received 22 letters, including mine, on the notification of change of membership from the PDP to the APC by all the 22 members of the PDP to the APC.
“The defection by the 22 members is hinged on the instability of the national leadership of the PDP, and the factionalisation of the South South zonal executive, which has resulted in internal division within the party. The defection is also in line with Section 109 (1) of the constitution.
“By this action, the membership of the Delta State House of Assembly is now 100 percent APC. On this note, I wish to thank our constituents for giving us the nod to this progressive path we have followed.
“Therefore, I wish to urge our colleagues to, as usual, continue to work tirelessly for the interest and progress of all Deltans for which we are all elected to do.
The House Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, moved the motion for the reception of the letters, and was seconded by Ferguson Onwo representing Isoko South Constituency II.
Reacting to the development, the APC state Chairman, Omeni Sobotie, has hailed the defection of the lawmakers and six House of Representatives members as a “welcome development for Delta’s progress.”
In the statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC congratulated House of Representatives members and the 22 state House of Assembly members for joining the APC.
“This unprecedented political realignment marks a defining moment in Delta State’s democratic evolution and positions our dear state for a new era of strategic development, unity, and inclusive governance,” the statement read.
“The mass defection, which includes key ranking legislators and vibrant voices within the national and state assembly, is a clear testament to the increasing confidence in the APC’s vision and commitment to grassroots empowerment,” the APC said.
