The Labor Party has announced its decision to launch legal action to win back the seats of four members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party criticized the members for retaining their seats even after switching allegiance to the ruling party.
The National Communications Secretary of the Labor Party, Obiora Ifor, made this disclosure in an interview with Punch.
His statement came after House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read out the resignations of members of the parliament on Thursday.
defectors Mr. Tochukwu Okere (Mr. Imo), Mr. Donatus Mathew (Mr. Kaduna), Mr. Bassey Akiba (Mr. Cross River), Mr. Iyawe Esosa (Mr. Ed), and Mr. Dauryeop Fomu (Mr. Plateau). is accused of betraying his party’s responsibilities.
Mr Ifor condemned their actions as “regrettable, irrational and contrary to democratic principles”.
Mr Ifor referred to Article 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that MPs supported by a political party must vacate their seats when they leave the party, unless the party is in crisis.
He outlined the party's three-step response to defections. In other words, condemn this behavior, petition the chairperson to declare the seat vacant, and take legal action.
“We have asked the Speaker to declare the seat vacant, but we are not optimistic about his compliance given the president’s open support for defectors. Our legal department has been instructed to proceed with the filing of the case.”
He also announced the creation of a “Hall of Shame” register to record the identities of, in his words, “failed officeholders, traitors and troublemakers” who have brought Labor into disrepute. The register will be opened to the public on Monday (today).
“Just to be clear, by tomorrow Monday we will be publishing the Hall of Shame registry. It will be available to the public and published in the media.
“This means that it is wrong to transfer the mission of one party to another without doing what is stated in Article 68(1)(g) regarding defections, especially when the party is not in crisis. This is done to let people know that
“But when you retire, you are relinquishing your duties. So, the list will be released tomorrow. We will know it on Monday,” Ifor asserted.
