The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Senate minority leader Sen. Godswill Apabio has tendered his resignation as the minority leader of the Upper chamber in the National Assembly.
In a letter signed by him and made available to newsmen, Sen. Akpabio, who copied all principal officers of the National Assembly and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that the decision is effective from the 4th of August 2018.
The letter reads, “May I extend to you and my dear colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senate caucus of the 8th senate of the federal Republic of Nigeria the compliments and best wishes of my constituents and I.
‘This letter is to formally inform you of my resignation as the Senate Minority leader with effect from August 4, 2018.’
‘Let me thank the Senate minority leadership, our distinguished colleagues and our great party, the PDP for the opportunity to lead the Caucus in the last three years. Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”
Although no reason was given for this resignation, the move is seen as not unconnected with the recent move by Sen Godswill Akpabio to decamp to the ruling All progressives Congress APC. Indication to this effect started unfolding when Sen Akpabio was conspicuously absent from the PDP NEC meeting held in Abuja shortly after the National Assembly proceeded on recess. He has since held meetings with the Vice president Prof Yemi Osinbajo and the National Leader f the APC Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in an apparent bid to finalized arrangement towards joining the All Progressives Congress APC.
Already, the former governor is being muted to succeed the Senate President, Bukola Saraki in the eventuality of his impeachment from his seat as president of the Senate and more so in preparation for the 2019 general election. Some members of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly who are loyal to him are also expected to decamp to the APC.
The move to decamp to APC is being seen as one that would break the monopoly of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the South South zone of the country. The South South has always been a stronghold of the PDP since the return of democracy. The move will also enable the APC to have a widespread and National outlook.
He is expected to formally decamp to the All Progresive Congress from the People’s Democratic Party tomorrow.
Report by Victor Alagogooko for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER
