Breaking News
Taraba Speaker, 15 PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC, Leaving Assembly Without Opposition
Taraba State Speaker Kizito Bonzena and 15 PDP lawmakers have defected to the APC, citing national party factionalisation. Their move leaves all 24 Assembly seats under the APC. Read full details and reactions.
Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bonzena said his decision was driven by the ongoing factional crisis within the PDP at the national level. He also confirmed that 15 other PDP lawmakers in the Assembly have submitted letters declaring their move to the APC.
The defecting members include Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2); Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari 1); Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi); Akila Nuhu (Lau); Musa Chul (Gassol 1); and Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2).
Others are Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1), Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1), Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2), Nelson Len (Nguroje), Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1), Joseph Kassong (Yorro), John Lamba (Takum 2), Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola) and Zakari Sanusi (Ibi).
Bonzena emphasized that the mass defection was made in the collective interest of Taraba State, not for personal reasons.
“Our people should not misinterpret this decision of ours. It is for the interest of the state,” he said.
“We now have all 24 members of the House as APC members. We also want the people of Taraba to see this as the best decision for the state, and they should continue to support the government.”
Former Speaker Peter Diah, who represents Mbamnga Constituency, welcomed Bonzena and the defecting lawmakers into the APC. He noted that the House had treated APC members fairly when they were in the minority and expressed satisfaction that all members had now aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision.
He prayed that their defection would mark “a new dawn” for Taraba State under the ruling party at the federal level.
With the latest development, the Taraba State House of Assembly now has no minority members.
Opinion Nigeria News
The Kampala Declaration: How African Youth Can Lead Food System Transformation to Accelerate the Achievement of Zero Hunger by 2030 -By Emeka Christian Umunnakwe
If Africa is serious about achieving Zero Hunger by 2030, these perceptions must be confronted with deliberate action. Young people...
China Finances New ECOWAS Headquarters -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
In accordance with the agreement concluded between the ECOWAS and the Government of China, the building by the Shanghai Construction...
The Arrest Of Nicholas Maduro By The US And Other Matters -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
Since the advent of the current administration, the country has been weaken internally with self-serving leaders insensitive to the yearnings...
When Nations Break Their Reformers: Why EFCC Cannot Carry Nigeria’s Burden Alone — And Why Power Must Fear God -By Prof. John Egbeazien Oshodi
Public frustration with the EFCC over perceived selective enforcement is understandable. Nigerians see some arrests carried out suddenly and forcefully,...
Poor, Poor, Maduro -By IfeanyiChukwu Afuba
Little wonder his ouster elicited celebrations. The ease of his capture is telling. There is only one explanation for the...