Mr. Tsokwa claims that PDP has benefited from the defection of some of PDP legislators to the APC

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, Albert Sam-Tsokwa, has said that the defection of 37 People Democratic Party, PDP, members to All Progressives Council, APC, will not cause any change in the leadership of the House.

Mr. Tsokwa, (PDP Taraba) said this in Abuja on Thursday at a news conference to herald the resumption of the House from the Christmas and New Year break.

“The leadership of the House of Representatives remains intact, having enjoyed and is still enjoying the confidence of the members,” he said.

He said that in spite of the recent defections the House was bound by its constitutional duty to make laws for the good governance of the country.

“Nigerians should be assured that defection or no defection, the House of Representatives remains and shall so remain bound together by one solemn constitutional duty.

“The leadership of the House of Representatives emerged from the popularity of the candidates on one hand and the popular votes of members, and not on party lineage.

“The House has a date with history as encapsulated in its legislative agenda and this date it must keep faith with in the overall interest of Nigeria”, he said.

Mr. Tsokwa said that defection was not new in a democratic process as the ruling party had also benefited from that process.

The legislator said that there was no law against defection of members from one party to another.

He said the amendment of the constitution, Petroleum Industry Bill and the 2014 budget, among others would be prioritised as the House resumes.

(NAN)