The last may not have been heard yet about the defection of 11 Senators from the ruling People's a Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC0 following failure of the Senate leadership to read the joint letter of defection submitted by the senators.

Trouble started yesterday shortly after the senators commenced session with Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu presiding. Senate president David Mark was absent having travelled to Jigawa state for official assignment.

Senator Ababakar Bukola Saraki from Kwara state who also doubled as the leader of the defecting lawmakers raised a point of order citing rule 14 of the senate standing order under matters of personal privileges.

He said he along with 10 others submitted a formal letter of defection to the Senate President in his official capacity.

However, Senator Ekweremadu told Saraki that Mark had informed him about receipt of the letter, but added: "before he travelled he told me you (Saraki) had a discussion with him and agreed to have a meeting on Monday. So, that was what he told me on the subject."

Saraki however argued that the scheduled meeting with the senate president next week Monday had nothing to do with reading the letter on the floor of the Senate. 
Ruling on the matter, Ekweremadu said the matter remain stood down until the senate president returns. 

Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje arrived the chamber minutes later and raised another point of order on the issue saying: "We thought the letter would have been read yesterday but it was not and we feel that it should be read today. I feel it is our right and privilege for that letter to be read. Myself I have defected and 10 other senators have also signed that letter defecting from PDP to APC. So I demand that that letter be read."

Ekweremadu rebuffed Goje arguing that the matter has already been dealt with.

This infuriated Senate minority leader George Akume (APC, Benue) who stood up and accused the leadership of double standard and violating the constitution.

According to Akume: "The die is cast. It's too late in the day. The horse has left the stable (so) you can't save something that is beyond salvation."

Ekweremadu remained adamant and insisted on Mark's return before a decision could be taken.