Why I Resigned From PDP – Sen. Bassey Otu

The senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Prince Bassey Otu, has withdrawn his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

His resignation from the party came on the heels of his defeat at the recent senatorial primary, which produced chairman of the Cross River State Water Board Corporation, Mr Gershom Bassey, as winner.

Protests had trailed the conduct of the exercise which was described as free and fair by the state PDP.

Addressing his supporters at the Margaret Ekpo Airport in Calabar, Otu said he resigned because he could not identify with a party that does not have the interest of the people at heart.

The senator said he was displeased with the way the party had conducted itself.

His supporters, who received him at the airport seemed enthusiastic about his decision as chants of “Sweet Prince”, as he is fondly called, rented the air.

Although he did not say which party he would be heading to, there are strong indications that he has already pitched his tent with the Labour Party in the state.

“I want to thank you for the support and prayers I have been enjoying from you. Today you sent me to represent you. My representation in the Senate has been totally about the people and not myself.

“I am totally displeased with the way the PDP has conducted itself. My objective here is to consult with all of you and in no distant time, we would come out with a decision.

“As you can see, I am ready to serve further. I don’t think that anybody should rob Cross River South of a ranking senator. I have done one term and I think our people should enjoy more dividends in a second term.

“As of now, I have resigned from the PDP. Any party that is not ready to serve the people, it would be difficult for me to identify with that party. After due consultations, we would come out with a party that would serve our people. For now I will leave you with an adage which says, ‘Let poor man follow chop’”, he said to his supporters.