LAGOS – Akiba, the lawmaker for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani federal constituency, has indicated intentions to switch to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akiba, a Labour Party member, clarified during an exclusive chat, in Calabar yesterday that despite his interactions with APC members in his constituency, he remains a loyal member of the Labour Party.
He dismissed rumors circulating on social media about his alleged plans to defect to the APC.
Rumors are common in political settings. Personally, I am still a genuine member of the Labour Party.
“I have no plans to switch from the Labour Party. I represent the people in my area, and I engage with everyone in my constituency because I was elected by a diverse group to serve all parties.
“In my constituency, I collaborate with everyone regardless of their party. Even though the Labour Party is the party that got me elected into office.”
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“I am collaborating with individuals from the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and those who are not affiliated with any party in my constituency.
“I have no plans to switch to another party. I am a loyal member of the Labour Party, and I find fulfillment in working with the party,” the lawmaker affirmed.
Regarding the issue of local government autonomy, he expressed, “It is unreasonable for anyone to suggest that local government elections should not be autonomous.”
“I strongly push for the prompt organization of local government elections to bring in council chairmen.
“I have firsthand experience with the local government system. I served as a local government council chairman for Odukpani local government area.
“I understand the significance of empowering the local government council Executive to oversee local government administration.
“It would be absurd for anyone to oppose local government elections just to keep their associates in control of local government finances,” he emphasized.
