Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was today implored to stop further defection of members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the National Assembly.

Governor Godswill Akpabio who made the call on Monday when Tambuwal paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo, noted: “I know that in a political year like this, there are a lot of uncertainties but I assure you that as governors we will do our best to protect interest of our members in the National Assembly.”

According to him, “You must do everything humanly possible to avoid further defection of PDP members in the National Assembly. Even those that have defected, we want to implore you to do your best to convince them to come back because the umbrella is not torn, the umbrella can accommodate them and can still cover them very well.”

Akpabio, who apparently had in mind the gale of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), called for continuity in the National Assembly for experience and speedy enactment of laws. Hear him: “The turn-over rate in the National Assembly has not been very encouraging. It does not allow for continuity. It does not allow for proper enactment of laws and it wipes out experience and this is of concern to the governors.

“I recall in 2007 when we came in, only 17 members who were there in 2003 made it back. We made strenuous efforts in 2011, but we ended up producing only 23 per cent and that is not good enough for our democracy. I am not saying people should stay for 40 years in the National Assembly, but we need experienced legislators so that the business of legislation would not have to be learnt in every session. Except where local zoning makes it impossible, we will do our best to give first timers in National Assembly automatic ticket to ensure continuity.”

Governor Akpabio, who is also Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, commended the Speaker for his exemplary leadership and for the support given to President Goodluck Jonathan. “Let me thank Mr. Speaker for being able to navigate through the turbulence that we find in the National Assembly and for being able to keep pace with the development of the nation – going through the various appropriations and approvals,” he said, adding:

“I know you are working under very difficult circumstance, but I must say that we are very proud of your leadership and we are very happy for the cohesive nature and the support that the National Assembly has continued to give to Mr. President. We want to urge you to continue to do your best to give the President and the Federal Government your support.”

Earlier, Speaker Tambuwal had explained that he was in Uyo to consult the governor on issues that bother on national interest, commending Governor Akpabio for the development strides and for playing significant role in the stability of Akwa Ibom and the entire country.

“During this short visit, though informal, I have been taken round the Government House and the executive chambers. I must say I am impressed by what I am seeing. This is quite unprecedented, and I’m not aware of any state that has achieved this so far,” Tambuwal stated.

•Photo shows Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (right) presenting a souvenir to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, during his working visit to the state at the Government House . . . today in Uyo.

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