* Okowa


 by Nosa Eresoyen, Asaba.

The member representing Ika South Constituency and Minority Leader of Assembly, Hon. Festus Okoh, yesterday, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Accord Party of Nigeria which fielded his candidacy into the House in 2015.

 In a letter of notice titled, ‘Notice to quit Accord Party of Nigeria’ read during plenary by the Speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya, Okoh stated that his action to quit the Accord Party was predicated on internal crisis in the party.

 Following the defection news, members of PDP in the House were catapulted into varying degrees of jubilation as many were seen exchanging handshakes and hugs. Hon. Okoh was immediately introduced to members of the party in the chamber by the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere.

 The Speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya, following the defection, declared the Minority Leadership Seat vacant and called on the minority caucus to put their house in order and elect a new leader.

 Speaking after the plenary on the rationale behind his party’s choice, Hon. Okoh said that the sterling qualities of leadership exemplified by the state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, order members of the party endeared the PDP to his heart.

 Okoh said he held no regret whatsoever for his decision, adding that the decision, though circumstantially, spurned was a critical and necessary one in the right trajectory. Responding to the defection, the state PDP Chairman, Barr, Kingsley Esiso, in a telephone chat, said the party is expecting more defections soon because members of PDP have proved their mettle through good governance.

 Esiso welcomed Hon. Okoh to the party and called on members of opposition parties to come to the PDP, adding that the party has all it takes to sharpen the fortunes of Delta State and Nigeria at large.

 Meanwhile, the House has confirmed Mr. Duke Joseph Okezie as Director-General, Delta State Public Procurement Commission.