The Lagos State House of Assembly has debunked a media report claiming that 27 members are planning to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) to the opposition Labour Party (LP).
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, debunked this in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.
Ogundipe described the publication as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.
He said that the report served no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the people of the state.
The committee chairman said that the recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker, were purely internal matters.
According to him, these actions were carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended.
“These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasise, without any ambiguity, that no member of the assembly is contemplating defection.
“We were elected under the leadership of the ruling party, the ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of the state.
“The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilisation who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the assembly.
“To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party,” he said.
Ogundipe said that any internal disagreements within the House would be resolved amicably, through peaceful and democratic mechanisms.
He called on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication, advising against reports that could mislead the public (NAN)