Six member of the Enugu State House of Assembly elected under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) have announced their defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The lawmakers tendered their resignation letters from the LP and subsequently a announced their move to the PDP on the floor of the House on Thursday in Enugu.
The lawmakers said they could not continue to remain in the LP due the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the labour at the national level and across all the state chapters.”
They defectors cited the lingering crisis between the Lamidi Apapa led faction of the party and that of Julius Abure, the substantial national chairman of the party.
Part of their statement reads:
“regrettably, the party has evolved into state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.
“The Labour party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas have regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates.”
Those who cross-carpeted include, the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Igboeze North I, Hon. Ejike Eze, the leader of the House and member representing Enugu North, Hon. Johnson Ugwu and the member representing Enugu South Rural, Hon. Princess Ugwu, member representing Nsukka East, Hon. Pius Ezeugwu, member representing Igbo-Etiti West, Hon. Amuka Williams and member representing Oji River, Hon Osita Eze.
After the Speaker had red their letters a motion for their defection to be accepted was moved by Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu and was seconded by Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh.