Lokoja – Former executive members and key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decampees later visited Governor Yahaya Bello at the Government House, Lokoja, to pledge their support for him and the APC.
They were warmly received by Governor Bello who in his address assured them of equal treatment in APC.
He also said the APC will treat them fairly and justly like old members of the party.
The governor encouraged other opposition politicians in the state to join the APC, saying doing so will give opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
His said his administration’s efforts at enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Kogi State requires the support of more well-meaning indigenes of the state.
The governor also announced that the new state university being proposed for Okunland, will take off and enroll its first set students before the end of his tenure.
Bello, however, urged the people of the state not only to unite for political participation but also to foster stronger bonds that could attract socio-economic development to the state.
He assured that the state will get its due under the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, stressing the need for the people to remain strong and united.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former member of the State House of Assembly and immediate past treasurer of the PDP in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon (Barr) Alfred Bello, cited the governor’s infrastructural development and exemplary leadership, characterised by inclusiveness, fairness, justice and equity as the reasons for their defection to the APC.
Bello commended the governor for establishing a university in Okunland, stressing that access to tertiary education had been lacking in Okunand for years.
He described the establishment of the university as a clear testament to Governor Bello’s belief in a united Kogi State, saying the action was a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to equity, justice, and fairness.
The former PDP chieftain assured the governor that he and his fellow members, including other Okun individuals, would work towards the success of the APC in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
According to Hon Bello, Hon Obamoh, Dr. Enimola Dare, Hon Olori Janet Ikusemo, Hon Joseph Ayeribe, Hon Aiyepeku Paul, Hon Joseph Olorunfemi, and others were past executive members of the PDP in Kabba/Bunu local government area of the state who have abandoned their party and decided to join the APC.
The decampees assured the governor of their unflinching supports ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial election in the State. (vitalnewsngr.com)
