By Anas Abbas
The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alongside him, 15 other PDP lawmakers.The 15 lawmakers announced the defection in a submitted letters of defection, according to a statement by the Speaker.
The defectors include high-ranking figures such as Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2), Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu, Wukari 1.
However, and othe representatives from key constituencies: Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi), Akila Nuhu (Lau), Musa Chul (Gassol 1), Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2), 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 noted that the decision was not personal but driven by what they believe is in the collective interest of Taraba State.
“Our people should not misinterpret this decision … It is for the interest of the state,” he said.
With the mass defection, the Speaker announced that all 24 members of the House of Assembly are now APC members, effectively eliminating the minority party presence in the chamber.
Welcoming them, former Speaker Peter Diah, now with the APC, described the move as a hopeful new beginning for Taraba.
Bonzena, for his part, expressed his optimism that the shift would mark a fresh era for the state, aligning with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.