Two YPP House Of Assembly Members Decamp To Labour, Visit Gov. Otti

Two members of the Abia State House of Assembly from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) have defected to the state’s ruling Labour Party.

Hon. Iheanacho Nwogu, representing Osisioma North State Constituency, and Hon. Fine Ahuama, representing Osisioma South State Constituency, stated that leaving their former party will allow them to work with the Governor to strengthen democracy at the grassroots for the benefit of their constituents.

Honourables Nwogu and Ahuama spoke on Tuesday evening during their visit to Governor Otti at the Presidential Lodge inside Government House in Umuahia. The House Majority Leader, Hon. Uchenna Okoro, who represents Arochukwu State Constituency on the Labour Party platform, led them on the visit.

Governor Otti welcomed the new entrants into the Labour Party, saying that the two former YPP members had always supported his administration since its inception, regardless of political affiliation.

The Governor stated that his administration takes a different approach to governance, based on transparency, service, and merit, as evidenced by the appointment of a non-Abian as Permanent Secretary of the Abia State Civil Service. He assured the new members of the party that they would have equal opportunities as the old members.

“One thing I have assured members of the House of Assembly is that because we are running a transparent type of leadership, we will never come to you with anything inappropriate. We have nothing to hide because we are working for our community.

“Like I told them in Rivers State (where he commissioned a road project), when you are governing people and they are unhappy, there is something wrong with the leadership. This is because the essence of governance is stewardship, and I am happy because my people are happy,” Governor Otti stated.

While announcing that the Labour Party will provide a level playing field for all, Governor Otti urged lawmakers to work towards enlisting the entire Osisioma people in the party for greater democratic dividends.

“So, on behalf of our great party, I would like to welcome you. I would like to reassure you that this will be one of the best decisions you have made.

“Our party is unique; there is no distinction between old and new members; you will enjoy the same privileges as all other members. The Labour Party offers a level playing field for all, so you have come to the right place’, Governor Otti assured them.

He congratulated them on their bold move, adding that he looks forward to meeting with YPP Governorship candidate Chief Enyinnaya Nwafor soon.

Earlier, while presenting the two decampees to the Governor, House Leader Hon. Uchenna Okoro stated that the two former YPP lawmakers announced their defection to the Labour Party during plenary due to Governor Otti’s service-oriented leadership style. He praised them for their bravery.

In their speeches, the new Labour Party family members informed the Governor that they had previously announced their defection to the Labour Party during plenary in recognition of his monumental achievements in office. They cited the completion of the Geometric Power and several road projects in their constituencies in Osisioma, as well as the recently opened Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road, one of the Governor’s signature projects in the area.

Governor Otti was joined by some members of his cabinet, including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Uzor Nwachukwu; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor, to welcome the House members.