Ogun assembly’s former deputy minority leader defects to APC from PDP

Ogun State House of Assembly has received a formal notification from a former Deputy Minority Leader, and member representing Abeokuta South one State  Constituency, Lukman Atobatele, announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atobatele cited internal crises, leadership disputes, and a lack of clear direction within the party both at national and state levels as part of the reasons for his defection.
Reading his correspondence on Tuesday during the plenary, the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, disclosed that the lawmaker stated

that his decision was guided by the interest of his constituents.
“As the representative of Abeokuta South Constituency One, my priority is to ensure my constituents benefit from a stable and progressive political platform”, Atobatele said insisting that his decision to join the APC would allow him to collaborate more effectively with the government and advance the development agenda of his constituency.

Responding, the Speaker of the House hoped and prayed that the lawmaker’s stay in his new political party would justify the reasons for his decision; and reiterating that members of the Assembly, irrespective of party affiliation, remained one united legislative family committed to working in harmony.
In another development, the Assembly commiserated with the victims of a fatal road accident involving British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, which occurred along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway at Makun junction, resulting in the death of two others including his cousin and a friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The Assembly’s expression of sympathy followed the presentation of the members representing Sagamu two and one State Constituencies respectively, Honourables Ademola Adeniran and Damilare Bello, who raised the issue under personal explanation.

The Assembly observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased; while expressing condolence to the bereaved families, and wished the injured boxer, and other survivors a speedy recovery.
The Speaker also enjoined motorists to exercise caution on highways to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
Also at the plenary, Elemide commended his co-lawmakers for the spirit of unity and cooperation that characterised legislative activities throughout the year and appreciated the management and staff of the State House of Assembly for their patience, solidarity and support.