Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided the state House of Assembly for declaring the seat of representative of Afikpo North East Constituency, Mrs. Lillian Eziulo, vacant.
This was contained in a statement issued by PDP Chairman in Afikpo North Council, Sunday Okor and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Okor said the House lacked powers under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant, adding: “The ward chairmen of Afikpo North/East and stakeholders of the constituency condemned the purported declaration of the seat of the lawmaker vacant over alleged resignation from the PDP.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House of Assembly declared the seats of Eziulo and two other lawmakers, Dr. Oliver Osi (PDP-Ivo) and Obasi Odefa (PDP–Oshiri-Ukawu-Abomege) vacant for allegedly resigning from the PDP.
“We wish to affirm that the member representing Afikpo North/East State constituency Ezuilo is still a member of our party. At no time did she leave the party for any other party. This clarification has become necessary in view of the letter purporting to convey her defection from the PDP.
“We urge our members and the general public to disregard and discountenance the said letter as it did not emanate from Eziulo,” Okor stated.
He added that the party strongly condemned the seizure of Eziulo’s salary, allowances and other entitlements on account of her refusal to leave the PDP and her purported suspension by the House of Assembly.
“We affirm our support for Ezuilo and urge her not to be distracted from delivering quality representation to the entire people of Afikpo North-East constituency,” he added.
