The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State suffered a huge loss as former House of Representatives member Hon. Umar Ahmed Suleiman Nafada and many others defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decampees from Funakaye and Nafada local government areas cited good leadership qualities, projects execution and provision of democracy dividends in the part of the APC led administration, and poor performance of the PDP during their administration as reasons for their cross carpeting to the APC.
Receiving the decampees in Bajoga, Funakaye and Nafada on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Deputy Governor welcomed them to the party assuring them of equal treatment, irrespective of when one enters the party.
Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, said their administration acknowledges the existing two religions, Christianity and Islam,the three Senatorial Districts, of Gombe South, Central, and North as well as the Eleven Local Governments, pointing out that they shall continue to give each the needed conducive environment, rights and privileges for their performance towards development of the state.
He said, it was their performance that is wooing other people into the party, assuring that they shall continue to meet the yearnings of the people in the state.
The Deputy Governor expressed dismay over cheap political tricks of some politicians who in spite of enjoying improved hospitals services, ride and drive on new roads and use other infrastructure provided by this administration ,only to claim that they are leaving the APC for reasons of lack of performance.
He said, no one is stopping anybody from leaving APC, but they must not hinge their reasons on fabrication and distortion of facts.
The Caretaker APC Chairman Gombe State, Mr. Nitte Amangal welcomed the decampees into the party, urging them to feel at hone and be committed to the course of the success of the party.
He explained that, for the decampees to be trouping into the party is an attestation of the fact that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is transforming the state.
In his remarks, the Senator Representing Gombe North Senatorial District, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, emphasised that the APC led administration has executed numerous projects in his Senatorial District and the state as a whole, attributing the entrance to the party to developmental projects and leadership style of the Governor.
The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, Adamu Dishi Kupto commended the Governor for numerous projects that have direct impact on his people which includes construction of roads across rural communities, improving the health sector to modern standard and giving preference in awarding contracts to indigenous local contractors.
On the decampees he said, they are friends and politicsl associates and therefore they will embrace them, urging them to put the party first in the forthcoming general elections for the party to succeed.
The Chairmen of Nafada and Funakaye Local Areas also spoke during the separate programs in their respective domains, welcoming the party loyalist to the program of receiving new members into the party, appreciating the Governor for doing them proud.
Speaking separately on behalf of the decampees in the two local governments, Hon. Miji Ardo Tilde, and Hon. Umar Ahmed Suleiman said they were attracted to the party by the gigantic projects executed by the APC led government in the state.
They said, they have come with thousands of their supporters, and shall put in their best to ensure the party succeeds.
Those who decamped in Bajoga include, Hon. Miji Ardo Tilde, Hon.Usman Sarkin Aska, Liman Juggol, Sani Shuaibu, Former councillors Hon. Hamidu Umar Bage, and Hon. Usman Kadiri Ashaka and their teaming supporters totalling 2000.
While at Nafada, Hon.Umar Ahmed Suleiman said he came with thousands of his teaming supporters whom he considered as patriotic people of his area.
Meanwhile the Deputy Governor and his entourage paid courtesy homages on Emirs of Funakaye and Nafada at their palaces in Bajoga and Nafada respectively.
The Deputy Governor appreciated the Traditional Rulers for supporting governments policies and programs, assuring them of more dividends of democracy.
He said, they were in their domain to receive decampees who have appreciated the good policies of their administration and have come to join.He solicited for their prayers and peace to prevail.
Receiving the Deputy Governor and his entourage at his palace in Bajoga, the Emir of Bajoga,Alh. Saad Muazu Kwairanga the third appreciated the visit wishing then successful outing.
In his palace, the Emir of Nafada, Alh.Dadum Hamza appreciated the visit, and the recent upgrade of levels of District and Village Heads in the state, pointing out that, this is the first time something like this has ever happened in Gombe State.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media and Publicity.
(Deputy Governor’s office)
