By Julius Nsikak
The member representing Ibiono Ibom State in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien has announced his defection from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) now to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon. Essien, made this known to the house during plenary on Tuesday 30th April, 2024, following the standing order of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for a matter of urgent public importance.
The Lawmaker, stated that his reason for defection was based on the unruly and several divisions within the leadership of the Young Progressive Party in Akwa Ibom State, where the 2023 governorship candidate of YPP, the Party State Chairman, Chapter officers and Stalwart of the party and others who decamped from the party to the All Progressive Congress (APC), by that, leaving the party in the state with no tangible structure to fall back on.
However, Hon. Essien appreciated the leadership of the Young Progressive Party in the state and national, for having given him the platform to be elected into the State House of Assembly.
Also declared his commitment to dedicatedly work for the Peoples’ Democratic Party, solely for the betterment of his constituents.
Meanwhile, a motion to warmly welcome the new member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party into the governing fold was moved by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the House, and Member representing Nsit-Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Oto-Obong Bob, while other members congratulated Hon. Essien for his brave walk out from YPP into PDP family.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, who was overwhelmed by the lawmaker’s action, noted that his decision to join the party has increased the Peoples’ Democratic Party membership to 25 from 24 and congratulated him for making the right choice.
