A member of the Edo State House of Assembly listed among lawmakers who joined the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on Tuesday, has denied media reports linking him to the event.
The member representing Oredo East State Constituency, Frank Uyi Omosigho, in a statement on Wednesday in Benin City and made available to journalists, said he remained “firmly committed” to the PDP, and “stand by the party that gave me the platform to serve my people”.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the PDP on Tuesday witnessed an exodus of its members to the APC with the Speaker leading the way, and joined by some lawmakers, 17 of the 18 acting local government council chairmen and virtually all the 192 councillors. Omosigho was mentioned among the defectors.
But disassociating himself from the gale of defections, Omosigho said despite ongoing speculations and the widespread media reports that had repeatedly mentioned his name alongside other defecting lawmakers, it was important to clarify that he was conspicuously absent at the venue where the defections took place and had no intention of leaving the PDP.
He declared, “I, Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho remains firmly committed to the PDP, the party under which I was elected to serve the good people of my constituency. I will be and continue to be an active participant in party activities, advocating for policies that support the advancement of my constituency and the growth of the state”.
The resolute lawmaker further explained that his refusal to join the wave of defections further underscored his dedication to the values and vision of the PDP.
He stated unequivocally: “I stand by the party that gave me the platform to serve my people. The PDP remained the most viable vehicle for democratic growth and development in Edo State. I urge my constituents and supporters to disregard any misleading reports and remain steadfast in their support for our collective cause.
“As Hon. Omosigho, my stance remains clear: my focus is on the continued well-being of my constituents, effective governance, and the strengthening of the PDP in Edo State”.
While urging his supporters to “remain undistracted by the political shifts in the Assembly and continue to rally behind the PDP’s vision for a better future”, Omosigho posited that as Edo State faces this period of political transition, his steadfast position is to provide the much-needed stability.
Following the recent defections, the PDP, which hitherto had 14 members, is now left with only six with fears that the number might be further depleted with more cross-carpeting.
The six remaining members are Frank Uyi Omosigho, Charity Iguodeyala Aiguobarueghan, Maria Edeko, Andrew Uzamere, Osawaru Natasha and Inegbobor.