Daniel Effiong Asuquo, the lawmaker representing Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency at the House of Representatives, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Labour Party.
His resignation from the party is contained in a letter addressed to the ward chairman of Akamkpa Urban Ward in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State.
Meanwhile, in his resignation letter which a copy was made available to THE WHISPERER, Asuquo said that the reason for his resignation from the opposition party is because of the “decision by a certain group of persons in the party to pursue a narrow and sectional interest as against the interest of the masses”.
The letter reads, “I have never been pretentious about my beliefs and convictions. When I declared my interest to vie for the governorship of Cross River State, I did that because I was convinced that my background, education, experience, training, connections and worldview would help me turn around the fortunes of the state
“The past few weeks have been very intriquing and illuminating. The reactions and messages of overwhelming support that I have received from the people of the state after the outcome of the PDP gubernatorial primary election shows a stark contrast between what our people need and the vested interest of a few persons in the party.
“As a democrat and a lawmaker, I have always been guided by the principles of equity, fairness, justice, transparency and good conscience. I am particularly galled by the following:
“The decision by a certain group of persons in the party to pursue a narrow and sectional interest as against the interest of the masses;
“The hypocrisy of the party in its refusal to endorse power rotation for the gubernatorial position while doing so for the Deputy Governorship position. It is also the height of disregard for the people of the Southern Senatorial District;
“The intentional exclusion of Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency from the micro-zoning of positions between Efiks and non-Efik-speaking federal constituencies despite the voting strength of the constituency and its status as the treasure base of the state.
“I have always advocated for zoning in private and in public. My position has not
changed. I am firmly committed to the Back-to-South agenda. Today, the injustice is against the Non-speaking Efik federal constituency in the Southern Senatorial District; tomorrow it might be against another. I will always stand on the side of truth and justice I have great respect for the leaders of the party who found me worthy before now to represent my people. I thank them for standing for the truth, fairness and justice when it mattered most.
“Consequently, after intensive and extensive discussions with my family and consultations with my constituents, supporters and friends across the entire state and even beyond it, I have taken the well-considered decision to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
In a chat with our correspondent on Monday evening, the Chairman of the party in Yakurr Local Government Area, Kes Akpama told THE WHISPERER that “the party was expecting more defectors before the end of the month.”
