By Our Reporter
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Saturday officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was formally received by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a ceremony in Jalingo, the state capital.
Receiving the governor on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima described the development as a moment of pride for APC and Nigeria, praising Kefas for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to development.
He said the APC was conceived as a broad platform for development-driven Nigerians, adding that the decision of the Governor Kefas to join the ruling party was timely and in line with the APC’s founding ideals.
"We believe nations endure when they acknowledge their strengths. Taraba State is an integral part of Nigeria, blessed with enormous potential for national growth.
"The APC was built as a meeting point for people committed to development. Today, it is a thing of pride that Taraba has joined this fold. We welcome our brother home because, in truth, he has always been with us," Shettima said.
The vice president commended Kefas for his understanding of Taraba’s ethnic and religious diversity and his efforts to promote unity in the state, urging residents to rally behind the governor, whom he described as the governor as the undisputed leader of the APC in the state, to advance development.
"We are proud of Governor Agbu Kefas for his sense of inclusivity and his development drive. I urge the people of Taraba State to support him as he delivers on his mandate," he said.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, said Governor Kefas’ defection was a significant boost for both the party and Taraba State.
He described the decision as one that would help unlock the state’s vast economic and developmental potential, assuring party members of fairness and inclusiveness.
"Joining the APC is one of the best decisions for Taraba State. The state is richly endowed, and this alignment will help position it for greater development," the APC chairman said.
Yilwada called on Kefas to unite all party stakeholders, assuring both old and new members of equal rights and opportunities within the APC.
Governor Kefas, in his response, thanked the national leadership of the party and the Federal Government, stating that his decision to join the APC was taken in the best interest of Taraba State.
"We will not dwell on the past. We will work together to redefine the future we desire for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn," he said.
Speaking further, Governor Kefas stressed that his defection was driven by service rather than personal ambition, describing it as a mission aimed at delivering sustainable development to the people.
"This is not about power, but purpose. We must align in order to deliver development. I will not abandon the mandate given to me; rather, I will strengthen it and ensure fairness to all," Kefas said.
The governor praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a leader who understands governance and delivers results, while declaring Taraba State open for development and investment.
Post a Comment