Abia Assembly: Why PDP Members Staged A Walkout During Plenary

Another drama ensued at the Abia State House of Assembly in Umuahia on Wednesday, following the decision of 11 members of the PDP to stage a walkout from the chambers in protest.

This is as journalists were prevented by security men from entering the legislative chambers to cover proceedings.

The PDP lawmakers were protesting the non-emergence of PDP members as principal officers for the positions of Majority and Deputy Majority leaders.

The aggrieved PDP members are also demanding proper interpretation of Standing Order 8, Rule 42.

During the plenary, there was a large presence of policemen and other security officials believed to be Department of State Security, DSS.

Hon Solomon Akpulonu, the representative of Obingwa West State Constituency, spoke to the press after the walkout.

He expressed concern about the unusual presence of security personnel during the plenary session and the absence of journalists.

Akpulonu highlighted that when they reviewed the votes and proceedings of the House for adoption, they discovered that the names of the House members they had been opposing were repeated. This prompted the PDP lawmakers to demand the removal of those names.

Akpulonu stated that they would not participate in what they consider an illegality, as the PDP refuses to accept the role of a minority party. He emphasized their intention to seek legal interpretation of the matter, which, in his view, is unambiguous.

He appealed to Governor Alex Otti to intervene as the father figure of the state.

Meanwhile, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa had previously cautioned against any form of distraction within the House during a statement made on Tuesday.