By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima has described Governor Kefas’ defection to the APC as personally touching, adding that the governor had made the right decision.
Senator Shettima who represented the President at a grand reception to formally receive Governor Kefas to the APC at Jolly Nyame Stadium Jalingo, said President Tinubu had instructed him to assure the Governor of his place not only in the party, but in the continuing relationship to prioritise the development of the state.
“What makes us different from other political parties is that we believe that nations endure when they learn to recognise their quiet strengths. We believe that Taraba is one of such strengths.
“It is a land that feeds, powers, and steadies the nation without demanding applause,” the Vice President said.
He assured Governor Kefas of his full place within the ruling party and a continued relationship focused on development.
“By this Gov. Dr. Agbu Kefas is now the Leader of APC in Taraba State.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged a stronger development partnership with Taraba State following the formal entry of Governor Agbu Kefas and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), and that the state is pivotal to Nigeria’s food and energy security.
He called on the people of Taraba State to rally behind the governor to enable the delivery of much-needed development across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Senate President, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, congratulated the Taraba Governor for taking the best decision for the state by joining the governing APC.
“By this decision, progress is brought to the state. This will enhance agriculture, infrastructure and the economy of Taraba state,” he stated
Barau said it was a wise decision that would bring prosperity to the state, noting that the entire National Assembly is in support of the decision.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the defection of Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC as the most significant political gain for the state.
He said Taraba State would benefit immensely from aligning with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Governor Kefas did nothing wrong by joining the party, for the APC offers renewed hope and opportunities for the people of the state.
“I urged those who were yet to join the party to follow the governor’s example in the interest of development in the state.
“Taraba State would benefit immensely from aligning with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The APC National Chairman assured party members that both new and old members of the APC enjoy equal rights, adding that the party’s leadership would continue to strengthen its structures nationwide and attract more governors from other political parties.
In his remarks, Governor Kefas, said his decision to defect to the APC was deliberate and aimed at connecting Taraba State to the government at the centre.
“This move is not for me but for the people of Taraba State,” the governor said, adding that unity among the people was essential for his administration to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Also, speaking, the Chairman of Progressive Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma represented by the Ekiti State Governor, Hon. Abiodun Abyomi Oyebanji,
said Governor Kefas has made the best decision by joining the progressives to attract dividends of democracy to the state in terms of agriculture, infrastructure and everything good for Taraba State.