Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Kizito Bonzena, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).
Bonzens, at the same time announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), blaming what he described as deepening factional struggles within the PDP at the national level.
The Speaker confirmed that 15 other members of the Assembly have also submitted letters indicating their intention to leave the PDP for the APC. The lawmakers include Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai of Bali II constituency; Majority Leader, Jethro Yakubu of Wukari one constituency; Tafarki Eneme, of Kurmi constituency; Akila Nuhu, of Lau constituency; Musa Chul, of Gassol one constituency and Josiah Yaro, of Wukari-2 constituency.
Others who have joined the defection train are Tanko Yusuf, of Takum one constituency; Veronica Alhassan, of Bali one constituency; Anas Shu’aibu, of Karim Lamido-2 constituency, Nelson Len, of Nguroje constituency; Umar Adamu, of Jalingo one constituency; Joseph Kassong, of Yorro constituency; John Lamba, of Takum-1 constituency, Happy Shonruba, of Ardo Kola constituency and Zakari Sanusi, of Ibi constituency.
Speaking on the mass defection, the Speaker urged residents not to misunderstand their decision, insisting it was taken in the interest of the state. He noted that with the latest development, all twenty four members of the Assembly are now in the APC. He appealed to the people of Taraba to continue supporting the state government, describing the move as the most beneficial course for the state.
A former Speaker and current member representing Mbamnga constituency, Peter Diah, welcomed the Speaker and the defecting members to the APC. He recalled that the Speaker and others were fair to him and fellow APC lawmakers when they were in the minority, adding that he is pleased to see them embrace what he called the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
Diah congratulated the new APC lawmakers and expressed hope that their entry into the party would mark a fresh beginning for Taraba and its citizens. The mass defection has effectively eliminated any presence of a minority opposition within the Taraba State House of Assembly.
