For the second time in two days, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives lost one of its members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The member representing Koko/Besse/Mayama federal constituency of Kebbi State, Salisu Garba Koko, announced defection in a letter read at plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The lawmaker hinged the decision to defect to the APC on what he described as protracted crisis in the PDP which has made it difficult for him to remain in the party.
However, rising under a point of order, Minority Leader, Kingsley China dismissed the claim of a protracted crisis in the PDP, saying what is happening is also happening in other parties.
Chinda said while people might look for excuses to defect to other parties, it was wrong to allege that there is a protracted crisis in the PDP.
He however asked the Speaker to do the needful in accordance with the constitution of the country by declaring the seat of the member and all others that have defected vacant for them to go back to face their constituents in another round of election.
Also, Ben Etanebene (LP) Delta wondered whether those defecting will return to INEC to change their certificates of return which already has their name, party and federal constituency.
He supported the call by the Minority Leader for the seat of the defectors to be declared vacant, emphasising the operating word in the Constitution is shall, which makes it mandatory for the seats to be declared vacant.
But Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said only the Courts of the land can declare the seats of members vacant, adding that the House will act on the content of the letter sent to it by members.
The Nation
