Tension As Akpabio, Other PDP Senators, Walk Out On Saraki
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate caucus, on Wednesday, staged a walk out on the Senate following the defection of Senator Yela Omogunwa of the Ondo South Senatorial district from PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP Senate caucus had asked Senate President Bukola Saraki to declare Omogunwa’s seat vacant, following the announcement of his defection to the APC.
Senate minority leader, Godswill Akpabio, argued that since Omogunwa, who is the only PDP senator from Ondo state, had defected to the APC, his seat must be declared vacant.
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But Saraki, who responded in the negative, ruled Akpabio out of order after which the Senate erupted in disagreement.
Speaking to newsmen after the rowdy session, Akpabio said:
“I am pleading with you journalists to tell Mr. Senate President to quickly declare vacant the seat of Omogunwa so that PDP can bring in another Senator,” Akpabio said.
“You agree with us that the letter was written before Ondo election of his intention to defect which he said he would assist the APC to win.
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“We walked out to protect the sanctity of democracy. Our protest is in line with the law.
“The supreme court has settled the issue there is no division in the PDP, so there is no need for a defection. So, Omogunwa should hand over our seat while he goes to support the APC in Ondo state,” he added.
