Six Enugu lawmakers dump Labour Party for PDP

Six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Labour Party have formerly announced their defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Those who defected include the Chief Whip of the house and member representing Igboeze North I, Ejike Eze; the leader of the house and member representing Enugu North, Johnson Ugwu; the member representing Enugu South Rural, Princess Ugwu.

Others include the member representing Nsukka West, Pius Ezeugwu; the member representing Igbo-Etiti West, Amuka Williams and the member representing Oji River, Osita Eze.

The lawmakers announced their defection on the floor of the House during their plenary on Thursday

They hinged the reasons for their defection to the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the Labour Party at the national level and across all the state chapters.”

According to them, “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.”

They cited the cases of Abure and Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer and their parent Body, NLC as some of the divisions within the party.

They expressed hope that the PDP will give them the platform to continue to serve the interests of their people and thanked the Labour Party members for their support.

The motion for their defection to be accepted was moved by Iloabuchi Aniagu and was seconded by Jane Eneh.

With the development, the PDP has returned to majority in the Enugu State House of Assembly.

When contacted on the development on Thursday, state chairman of the party, Casmir Agbo, stated that he just returned from Nnewi, where the party held it’s convention.

He threatened the lawmakers with legal suits when rumours filtered about their defection some weeks ago.