Akpabio to Tambuwal: Stop further defection of PDP members

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has been implored to stop further defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the National Assembly to another political party.
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State made the call on Monday when Tambuwal paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo.
A sizeable number of members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last few weeks have crossed over to the All Progressives Congress.
This has now given the APC the majority in the House of Representatives.
The PDP was in the majority before the wave of defections.
However, on Monday, Akpabio appealed to Tambuwal to stop the defection of PDP members to other parties.
He told the Speaker: “I know that in a political year like this, there are a lot of uncertainties but I assure you that as governors, we will do our best to protect the interest of our members in the National Assembly.
“You must do everything humanly possible to avoid further defection of PDP members in the National Assembly.
“Even those that have defected, we want to implore you to do your best to convince them to come back because the umbrella is not torn.
“The umbrella can accommodate them and can still cover them very well.”
Akpabio also called for continuity in the National Assembly.
He said this is for the sake of experience and speedy enactment of laws.
He said: “The turnover rate in the National Assembly has not been very encouraging.
“It does not allow for continuity.
“It does not allow for proper enactment of laws and it wipes out experience and this is of concern to the governors.
“I recall in 2007 when we came in, only 17 members who were there in 2003 made it back.
“We made strenuous efforts in 2011, but we ended up producing only 23 per cent and that is not good enough for our democracy.
“I am not saying people should stay for 40 years in the National Assembly, but we need experienced legislators so that the business of legislation would not have to be learnt in every session.
“Except where local zonings make it impossible, we will do our best to give first timers in National Assembly automatic ticket to ensure continuity.”
Akpabio, who is also the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, commended Tambuwal for his exemplary leadership and for the support given to President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said: “Let me thank Mr. Speaker for being able to navigate through the turbulence that we find in the National Assembly and for being able to keep pace with the development of the nation, going through the various appropriations and approvals.
“I know you are working under very difficult circumstance, but I must say that we are very proud of your leadership and we are very happy for the cohesive nature and the support that the National Assembly has continued to give to Mr. President.
“We want to urge you to continue to do your best to give the President and the Federal Government your support.”
Tambuwal had earlier explained that he was in Uyo to consult with the governor on issues that bother on national interest.
He commended Akpabio for the state’s development strides and for playing significant roles in the stability of Akwa Ibom State and the entire country.
Tambuwal remarked: “During this short visit, though informal, I have been taken round the Government House and the executive chambers.
“I must say I am impressed by what I am seeing.
“This is quite unprecedented and I am not aware of any state that has achieved this so far.”