Major Political Shift in Taraba State Assembly
In a significant political realignment, the Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Kizito Bonzena, along with 15 other members, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The dramatic announcement was made by Mr. Bonzena on Monday in Jalingo, where he spoke on behalf of his colleagues who joined him in crossing party lines.
Reasons Behind the Mass Defection
The Speaker explained that their decision to abandon the PDP was primarily driven by the ongoing factionalization at the national level of the party. He emphasized that this move was not personal but represented a collective decision made in the best interest of Taraba State and its development.
"Our people should not misinterpret this decision of ours. It is in the interest of Taraba. We now have all 24 members of the House as APC members," Bonzena stated during the announcement.
The defectors have already taken formal steps to regularize their movement by forwarding their defection letters from PDP to APC, ensuring the political transition follows proper parliamentary procedures.
Complete List of Defecting Lawmakers
The mass defection includes some of the most influential members of the Taraba State Assembly:
- Hamman-Adama Abdullai, Deputy Speaker (Bali 2 Constituency)
- Jethro Yakubu, Majority Leader (Wukari 1 Constituency)
- Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi Constituency)
- Akila Nuhu (Lau Constituency)
- Musa Chul (Gassol 1 Constituency)
- Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2 Constituency)
- Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1 Constituency)
- Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1 Constituency)
- Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2 Constituency)
- Nelson Len (Nguroje Constituency)
- Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1 Constituency)
- Joseph Kassong (Yorro Constituency)
- John Lamba (Takum 2 Constituency)
- Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola Constituency)
- Zakari Sanusi (Ibi Constituency)
Political Implications and Reactions
This mass defection has completely transformed the political landscape of the Taraba State House of Assembly. With this movement, all 24 members of the House now belong to the APC, effectively eliminating any minority presence in the legislative chamber.
Former Speaker and member representing Mbamnga Constituency, Peter Diah, welcomed the new defectors into the APC fold. He expressed satisfaction that the House had now fully keyed into the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
"The House had been generous to me and other APC members when we were in the minority, but I am happy that we have all now keyed into the vision of President Bola Tinubu and have joined them," Diah remarked.
He further prayed that this political movement would mark a new dawn for Taraba State and its people, especially now that they have joined the party at the center of national governance.
The complete unification of the House under one party is expected to have significant implications for legislative proceedings and the implementation of state policies moving forward.
