close
Friday, November 19, 2021

Anambra: PDP lawmaker returns month after defecting to APC

“I have tested the waters and realised that my former party PDP is better,” Mr Offor said as he announced his return at plenary on Thursday.

• November 18, 2021

Onyebuchi Offor representing Ekwusigo Constituency at the Anambra House of Assembly has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Offor, the Minority Leader of the House, who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 6, announced his return at plenary in Awka, on Thursday.

He said his decision followed wide consultation with constituents and stakeholders from his area.

“Two months ago, I announced my defection from PDP to APC on the floor of this House. I have tested the waters and realised that my former party PDP is better.

“So, I want to humbly inform this House that I’m going back to my party, the PDP,” he said.

Chuka Ezewunne, member representing Idemili-South constituency, welcomed Mr Offor back to the party.

“As a founding member of PDP, I know Offor well and he is a good friend too, though temptation drew him to APC.

“We are happy to welcome him back to PDP and we urge other members to come back home,” he said.

Also speaking, Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru I constituency, said “PDP would have won the just concluded governorship election in the state, if Offor had not defected to APC.”

“Your defection to APC was a big blow to the PDP in Anambra. If you have not defected, PDP would have won the governorship election.

“But we welcome you back to PDP where you rightly belong,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Majority Leader, Emeka Aforka, representing Orumba North constituency, also urged lawmakers who defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), to come back to the party.

“APGA is the winning party in Anambra and home to all. I urge Honourable members who left APGA to emulate Offor and come back home,” Mr Aforka said.

The Speaker of the House, Uche Okafor, who said it was the constitutional right of the lawmaker to defect from one political party to another, wished Mr Offor well in his political career.

Also at plenary, the House called for intensified sensitisation in the state on the dangers of consuming Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, popularly known as Crystal Meth or ‘Mkpuru Mmiri’ in Igbo parlance.

The House adjourned till December 7 for plenary.

(NAN)

More from Peoples Gazette

Aiteo/oil spill

Health

Aiteo Oil Leak: Bayelsa community complains of respiratory problems

A toddler developed complications following complaints of stomach upset and difficulties breathing and was being taken to a health centre at Opu-Nembe when she died.

NationWide

Railway workers begin warning strike

The workers are demanding increased remuneration, individual life insurance for staff, payment of outstanding salaries, among others.

Amnesty International and Rape victim

Rights

Rape survivors still stigmatised, denied justice in Nigeria: Amnesty International

Amnesty International explained that most rape incidents in Nigeria were usually unreported as a result of corruption, stigma and victim-blaming.

Open defecation

Health

46 million Nigerians mostly from Kwara, Plateau, Ebonyi still pooh in public: UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that 46 million Nigerians still defecate in the open.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. [CREDIT: The Africa Report]

Africa

Jailbreak: Fleeing inmates rearrested in Kenya

Kenyan authorities have successfully recaptured three terrorists who escaped from a Nairobi maximum-security prison on Monday.

Dare, Rohr

Sport

NFF to determine Rohr’s fate next week: Sports Minister

The minister said Rohr’s future with the Super Eagles will depend on a report to be submitted by the NFF in the coming days.