Defection: 4 Edo Assembly members threaten court action over letters

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Four All progressives Congress (APC) party members of Edo State House of Assembly, may have considered court action over alleged delay by the leadership of the legislative arm to read their letters of defection at plenary.

The legislators, Friday Ogierhiakhi (Orhionmwon south), Jude Ise-Idehen (Ikpoba-Okha), Patrick Osayimwen (Oredo East) and Razaq Momoh (Etsako West II) on Monday announced their defection from APC to Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

One of the aggrieved former members of APC, Hon. Razaq Momoh representing Etsako West II, said the Speaker of the House, Hon. Uyigue Igbe has personally assured him that his letter would be read at the appropriate time.

Speaking with newsmen on the ongoing political events, Momoh quoted the (Speaker) as saying that the delay was to enable him complete the necessary consultation..

He cited , “Oh, I think I will seek legal advice in that direction because my party – PDP has some good lawyers. I will be talking to them.

“Infact, I have even gone to his office, requesting from him the status of my letter, whether he is reading the letter or request me to read it under personal explanation…The speaker said there is administrative processes that needed to be followed’’, he said.

There was anxiety at the State House of Assembly complex when plenary resumed on yesterday following reports that some miscreants were within the precincts of the House.

With the current political arrangement, the PDP legislators have risen to eight, while the APC house leadership now has 16 members.

Victor Edoror, member of the State House of Assembly representing PDP Esan Central, had officially presented a letter of defection from PDP to APC which was read on the floor of the House plenary in February this year.