By Jethro Ibileke
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken the majority in the Edo State House of Assembly, following the defection of four members of other parties into APC.
The 24-member House is now made up of 13 APC lawmakers, while the opposition PDP has 11.
Three of the lawmakers defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and one from the Labour Party.
The defectors are: Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II ), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East).
They promised to collaborate with the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to develop the State.
Speaking on behalf of the newly defected members, Edosa said that they left their party because of the division in the party from national down to state, Local government areas and wards.
He said “We need to let the world know today that in our political party PDP there are divisions from national to State and local government. The party that gave us the platform to win the election also gave us the platform to leave. We don’t believe in divisibility but a new rising Edo State.
“We believe in the vision of the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and decided to leave our party and join him to work with him to develop Edo State. We believed in his vision and that of the president.
“We promised to work together with the Governor and the party to build a new Edo State.”
On his part, the Minority Leader of the House, Eric Okaka (APC, Owan East), commended his colleagues for the bold step taken to join the ruling party.
He noted that the performance of Governor Monday Okpebholo wooed the defectors to the party.
He said: “We were in the minority before now but with this defection, we are now in the majority in the House. We will collaborate with the governor to ensure Edo is developed to the benefit of Edo people.
“I commend the quality of representation the APC have been given to their constituencies and with these defections we are emboldened to do more for our people.”
The chairman of the APC, Jaret Tenebe, who received the defectors at the party secretariat, handed over the symbol of the party to them and assured them that there was no new member in the party as all of them are equal.
He said the defection of the four members to the APC was a powerful endorsement of the performance of Governor Okpebholo.
“These members who bring with them a wealth of experience have recognized that APC offers the party for progress for the State and Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo and unwavering dedication to make the lives of Edo people better.
“We thank these members for their bravery and courage to stand with us as we join the governor to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony and protect the lives of Edo people”.