Rep. Chris Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State, has defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following his defection, Nkwonta was appointed Chairman of the newly established House Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC). Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the defection without providing a specific reason.
While APC members welcomed Nkwonta, Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano) raised a point of order, citing Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that a lawmaker can only leave their party if there is a crisis within it.
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However, Speaker Abbas ruled Madaki out of order, stating that, based on available information, there is a faction within the PDP.
The Speaker also announced new committee chairmen and their deputies, including Rep. Timehin Adelegbe as Chairman of the Committee on Science Research Institutions; Rep. Kabiru Ahmadi Mai Palace as Chairman of the Committee on Sports; Rep. Abubakar Gummi as Chairman of the North East Development Commission (NEDC); and Rep. Kama Nkemkanma as Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change and Security.
Other appointments included Rep. Mohammed Mukthar as Chairman of the Committee on Tourism; Rep. Zakariya Idris as Chairman of the Committee on Safety Standards; and Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu as Chairman of the Committee on Lake Chad.
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