SAN FRANCISCO, February 21, (THEWILL) – The Senate Minority Leader and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, asked President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, to declare Senator Andy Uba’s seat vacant for defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, while making the demand on behalf of the PDP caucus in the Senate revealed that the PDP would challenge Uba’s defection in court as he also called for Uba’s removal as Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
“That position belongs to the PDP; we have a notice of our intention to go to court to reclaim that seat. It is to let you know that the party is not in dispute,” he declared at plenary under Order 45 of the Senate Standing Order.
Akpabio insisted that the Senate should, at the next plenary, announce a new chairman for the committee.
THEWILL recalls that Uba had joined the APC in his ward at his hometown in Anambra state but this was officially announced at plenary by the Saraki.
Uba pledged commitment to his new party’s resolve and determination to reposition the economy.
“This decision was arrived at after due consultation and engagement with my family, constituency and legal team,” he said in a statement after his defection.
“As a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also sought relief from the same Constitution.
“I rely on Section 681 (g), which has also been tested in the Supreme Court.
“By this communication, I declare that I am now a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress.
“I am committed to working with you and your party on how to unite, build our policies and take the vision of our party to our great country.”