By Ikpechukwu Ojobor, Enugu
The member representing Isi-Uzo State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Eze Gabriel Lebechi, has dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing protracted internal crises within the LP and Governor Peter Mbah’s performance as key reasons for his defection.
Eze made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary, following the presentation of his defection letter, which was read by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu.
Explaining his decision, the lawmaker described the Labour Party as “almost dead,” adding that all efforts to resolve its internal wranglings proved abortive.
He said, “As I am talking to you, Labour Party is a dead party almost. I made wide consultations. I switched into action by meeting my constituents, holding meetings, calling some people that matter in the Labour Party on how to resolve.
“After I found out that it is not something that could be resolved, I started asking them which way forward because I am here to represent them, to make laws and move motions and speak on their behalf as their mouthpiece and they advised that I move to a better place and that better place is joining PDP.”
While expressing some regret for leaving the platform that brought him into the House, Lebechi maintained that he had no option but to move on.
He also cited the leadership style and achievements of Governor Peter Mbah as a major motivation for his switch to the ruling PDP.
“Our governor made a statement sometime ago that he came into power not for a government as usual but unusual. And he said that everybody should learn how to sacrifice and I personally, who is representing Isi-Uzo, seeing these two words of the governor in action, I then decided to support him.
“I read Computer Science and I know what AI can do and the governor moved into action: in the area of security he is there; in the area of Agriculture, he is there; in the area of hospital, he is there; road, he is there, every aspect that affects human beings, he is working tirelessly to change Enugu into London. I have no option than to join hands to support him.
“I am today defecting to PDP to support my colleagues and to support the government of Enugu State.”
Before accepting the letter, the Speaker asked Eze to confirm that he authored the defection letter and that his decision was voluntary. The lawmaker responded in the affirmative.
