Three PDP State Assembly members defect to APC in Kebbi

Three of the four opposition members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Kebbi  House of Assembly have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that defectors are: Umar Na’amore, Argungu Constituency; Hashimu Usman, Yauri Constituency and Yusuf Abubakar-Tilli, Bunza Constituency.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, read out three different letters on the floor of the house written to the Assembly by the defectors in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

In the correspondence, the former PDP members formally informed the house and the people of their constituencies about the reason for leaving the PDP to join the ruling party based on the crisis in their areas.

”There has been a crisis due to the mismanagement of PDP by the leaders in our respective constituencies that led to its factionalisation and division.

”In such circumstances, the constitutional provisions allow us to join another party and retain our seats if there is crisis,” the letters explained.

The speaker also read a different communication signed by Gov. Nasir Idris to the house, seeking the confirmation of Muhammad Ashiru-Garba as the new Chairman, Kebbi Local Government Service Commission, following the demise of the former Chairman, Mansur Shehu.

Members of the assembly resolved to invite the new appointee to appear before the house on Wednesday for ratification.

In an interview with newsmen, Usman-Zuru debunked insinuations that the house was ‘a rubber stamp assembly’ due to its good rapport with the executive arm.

He said: “We are partners in progress with Gov. Idris because his agenda of development is the same as our own vision and mission.

”Idris is a very good and benevolent personality, he does not want money, he does not want a house, he does not want a vehicle, what he desires is the growth of Kebbi and economic prosperity of the people.

”The governor is doing what is best for the people of Kebbi. This is also our target objective, we are partners in service, not rubber stamps. We will draw his attention whenever we observe any digress.”

NAN.