- Safiu Kehinde
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has trolled the Labour Party as Edo state lawmaker and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Sen. Neda Imasuen, officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, dumped the Labour Party after presenting his defection letter before the Red Chamber on Wednesday.
According to report, the Edo lawmaker had on June 12 switched allegiance to the APC in Benin City, citing the leadership crisis in the LP as his reason for abandoning the party.
Imasuen in the letter addressed to Akpabio disclosed that his decision was collectively agreed upon by members of his constituency.
“This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, political stakeholders and supporters across Edo South Senatorial District, who have expressed their desire to have me enter a party that will give our people national prominence and political relevance.” The letter partly read.
After reading the letter, Akpabio congratulated Imasuen while throwing a jab at the Labour Party as he told the defecting lawmaker that he will no longer labour in vain.
“Distinguished Senator Neda Imasuen, you shall no longer ‘Labour’ in vain. Your defection has been well documented.
“You may now graciously move to your new party. Kindly approach the chair for a handshake,” Akpabio said.
Imasuen was also welcomed by other APC lawmakers at the plenary with the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, rising to acknowledge the defection.
While congratulating the senator, Bamidele urged him to work towards the progress of his new party and the country.
Meanwhile, Imasuen had in his defection letter stressed that his move to the APC aligns with his intention to key into the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.