Two lawmakers from the Ondo State House of Assembly, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Afe, representing Akoko North-West 2, and Agbulu, representing Akoko South-West 2, cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP as the reason for their resignation. The letters of resignation were read at the plenary by the Clerk of the Assembly, Benjamin Jayeola.
According to Afe, he had consulted with his constituents and stakeholders before making the decision, stating that the APC would enable him to deliver more democratic benefits to his constituency. Similarly, Agbulu expressed gratitude to the PDP for its support and stated that the APC is a viable platform to serve his constituents.
The defection has shifted the balance of power in the Assembly, with the APC now having 24 members and the PDP having two. In a separate development, the House of Assembly has urged the state executive council to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for the staff of the Assembly. This follows a 21-day ultimatum by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State Chapter.
The Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Olatunji Oshati, emphasized that the non-implementation of CONLESS is a matter of public interest and appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to consider the agitation of the Assembly staff. The Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, also assured the staff that the Assembly’s leadership would engage in dialogue with the governor to resolve the issue, emphasizing that the implementation of the salary structure would improve the capacity and efficiency of the staff.
The legislative arm has taken it upon itself to intervene in the matter, with Oshati urging the staff to exercise patience and allow the Assembly to facilitate a peaceful resolution. The Speaker commended the patience of the staff and assured them that the Assembly would continue to protect and defend their interests. The development highlights the ongoing efforts to address the concerns of the Assembly staff and the potential impact on the state’s legislative processes.
