“No, It is Abuse Of Power To Hold Both Majority And Minority Positions” – PDP To Gov Otti

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed strong  reservations over the refusal of the State authorities to accord commensurate recognition to the status and strength of the party in the State House of Assembly.

The Source reports that although the PDP lost the race for the Abia state Gubernatorial race in the 2023 general elections, it still managed to maintain the majority status at the legislative arm of the Government with 12 members.

The ruling Labour, LP, until the defection of two Young Progressive Party YPP, Lawmakers into its fold, was having nine state legislators with the All Progressive Congress APC, holding one.

Curiously, the LP appropriated the Speakership, the Majority leadership position ,as well as other Principal Officers of the State legislative body.

The PDP, even with its majority status, was not allowed  to produce the position of the  Majority Leader of the House in line with its numerical strength .

But in an open letter addressed to the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Thursday November 14, 2024, and made available to this Magazine, Comrade Abraham Amah, the PDP Chairman called for the immediate reversal of the leadership positions at the legislative branch of the Government to reflect the true status of the composite parties.

According to the PDP Chairman, it is widely recognized that the PDP holds majority seats in the House and, therefore, will want to be  accorded its rightful status in the scheme of things.

“I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of democratic governance in Abia State under your administration.

“As a citizen committed to the principles of democracy ,I’m alarmed by the apparent abuse of democratic ideals that that has been observed, particularly, concerning the representation and treatment of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the Abia state House of Assembly.

“It is widely recognized that the PDP holds 12 seats in the House, constituting a significant proportion of the Assembly, .

“The exclusion of the PDP from positions that rightfully belong to the majority party not only undermines the democratic process, but also sets a troubling precedent for governance in our state.

“It is essential that all parties are given equal opportunities and representation within the Assembly, especially, when considering the composition of the legislature.

“While it is understood that coalitions and alliances may be formed within the Assembly, it is crucial that such arrangements do not result in the complete disregard for the established norms of democratic representation .

“If Labour Party with its 11 members, has entered into a coalition with the APC which has one seat, it would be utterly inappropriate for Labour Party to claim all positions designated for both the majority and the minority parties.

“This kind of maneuvering threatens the foundation of our democracy and erodes public thrust in elected officials” part of the letter reads .

The PDP, therefore, has called for an immediate action to rectify the unusual situation. According to Amah, restoring fairness and sanity to the political landscape is essential in preventing further escalation and maintain peace within the state.

” It is vital that we demonstrate our commitment to democratic  values, not only for the sake of our current governance, but, also, to set a positive example for future generations who are observing our action and decisions”, PDP noted