It started as a rumour last week and was
denied by those concerned. But yesterday, it became a reality as six of
the eight Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the Lagos State
House of Assembly 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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