The ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State House of Assembly further thinned on Tuesday as two of its members, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Afe, who represents Akoko North-West Constituency II, and Agbulu, representing Akoko South-West Constituency II, tendered their resignation letters during plenary, which were read by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Benjamin Jayeola.
The lawmakers cited “irreconcilable differences” within the PDP in the state as their reason for quitting.
According to Afe, his decision to dump PDP was reached after wide consultations with his constituents and stakeholders, adding that joining the APC would enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy to his people.
Similarly, Agbulu described the APC as the most viable political platform to serve his constituency effectively, while expressing appreciation to the PDP for the support he enjoyed during his membership.
With the defections, the APC now controls 24 out of the 26 seats in the Assembly, leaving the PDP with only two members.
Meanwhile, the Assembly urged the state executive council to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for its staff.
The call came against the backdrop of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State Chapter, demanding the implementation of the structure.
Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Olatunji Oshati (Ose/APC), noted that the issue had become a matter of public interest, stressing that other South-West states had already implemented CONLESS.
He appealed to the Assembly staff to exercise patience, assuring them that the lawmakers would intervene for a peaceful resolution.
The Speaker of the House, Chief Olamide Oladiji, also advised the staff not to resort to confrontation but to allow dialogue to prevail.
Oladiji commended their patience and pledged that the Assembly leadership would engage Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration on the matter, insisting that the implementation of CONLESS would improve the capacity and efficiency of the Assembly’s workforce.
He assured that the legislature would continue to protect and defend the interests of its staff.
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