Politics
Finally Nwoko dumps PDP for APC …as defection sparks row at Senate plenary
By Our Reporter
Senator Prince Ned Nwoko representing Delta North senatorial district on Wednesday laid to rest rumour surrounding his political nomenclature as he officially informed the Senate of his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that news of his defection dominated a section of the conventional and social media a few weeks back
The first term senator who was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2023 made known his new political destination in a notice of departure addressed to the President of the Senate.
He attributed his decamping to unending crisis that has engulfed the PDP. He as we urged the Senate to set up an ad- hoc committee to investigate the crisis rocking PDP with the view of safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
The notice read “I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and consequently Join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.
“Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy. If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.
“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy.
“This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation.
“Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.”
The letter however sparked partisan argument as the Minority Leader, Abba Moro described Nwoko’s defection as illegal and unconstitutional as there was no faction in the opposition PDP.
Moro argued that while differences is an inevitable feature of political parties, the PDP stand a united party.
On the dispute over the party’s National Secretary seat, the Minority Leader said the party as a law abiding entity hold on to the subsisting verdict of the court while the legal tussle continues at the apex court.
But, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele quickly pointed out the crisis in the PDP over the National Secretary seat which matter is already in court is enough evidence for Ned Nwoko to dump the party.
Senator Moro however replied that the PDP as a law abiding party has already obtained a court ruling confirming Sam Anyawu as the authentic Secretary of the party as well as a stay of execution of the Appeal Court judgement on him.
Akpabio, however, did not to set up the ad -hoc committee as advised to look into the immediate and remote causes of crisis in the PDP because the matter is already in court.
With Nwoko’s addition, the ruling APC has a convincing majority of 64 senators , the PDP 33, Labour Party five while both the Social Democratic Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party have two members each and All Progressives Grand Alliance has one senator.
Anambra South seat is yet to be filled after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Edo Central seat remains vacant after emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State .
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, remarked that the purported petition from the suspended Senator Natasha is “dead on arrival.”
He emphasised that Nigeria, rather than Senator Natasha, is the member of the IPU.
A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state.
This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members.
The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is!
Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings.
Furthermore, as Chairman of the Inter- parliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President.”
Politics
Senate moves to establish Early Voting for Nigerians on essential duties during elections …..As Bill scales 2nd reading
Senate in session in the chamber
By David Owei ,Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was bigger than any individual and that its internal challenges would be fixed once the members resolve to tackle them.
Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday after the inauguration of the party’s South-South zonal caretaker committee led by Elder Emma Ogidi, the Bayelsa Governor said the political will to confront those fomenting trouble in the party resided with the members and not solely on the leadership.
Diri, who is also Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, stated that for the party to be competitive as the oldest in the country, it must look inwards and fix its internal issues.
He said: “For me, we have to look inwards before accusing those outside our party. We have to first fix our internal issues.
“It is very easy to point accusing fingers. But the PDP has to sit back and tackle its internal challenges. That is only when we can stand to compete with others.
“I want the PDP to be competitive with other political parties. We are the oldest political party in Nigeria. So we have no reason to be accusing outsiders.”
On whether the party’s leadership had the political will to discipline those fomenting trouble, Governor Diri averred that such will resided with the members.
“We are all members of the party. The moment we all resolve that we need to fix our party, there cannot be any one person that is bigger than the party.”
He stressed that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee had the mandate of the National Working Committee to look into every issue affecting the party in the South-South.
The Bayelsa helmsman expressed the hope that the event was a step forward for the party.
“In our zone, which is the only area in the country you have four governors of the party, we have all resolved and are together on this. You can see the deputy governor of Delta State, who represented the governor. I have also received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. It shows that we are together and what we need to do is to show leadership and work with the zonal committee so that our zone will again become safe and strong for the PDP.”
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