Eight out of the 14 Local Government Area Council chairmen on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State have announced their defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
This was contained in a statement signed by Zailani Bappa, Special Adviser (Media) to Governor Bello Matawalle, and made available to journalists in Gusau on Saturday.
Bappa said the defectors included the chairman of the state’s branch of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria and Chairman of Birnin-Magaji Local Government, Alhaji Muhammad Umar.
Others are the ALGON Vice-Chairman and Chairman of Maru Local Government, Alhaji Salisu Dangulbi, and the association’s Secretary and Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government, Alhaji Nasiru Zarumi.
Also on the list are the Chairman of Anka Local Government and Public Relations Officer of the association, Alhaji Ahmed Balarabe; Chairman of Kaura-Namoda local government, Alhaji Lawal Abdullahi; hairman of Maradun local government, Alhaji Shehu Faru; as well as the chairmen of Bungudu and Tsafe local governments, Alhaji Abduaziz Nahuche and Alhaji Aminu Mudi respectively.
Bappa said the announcement by the eight chairmen was the outcome of a meeting they held with Matawalle on Saturday in Gusau.
The statement quoted Balarabe as saying their decision to join the ruling PDP in the State was as a result of Matawalle’s leadership style in restoring peace and tranquility to all parts of the state within a short period.
Balarabe maintained that political stability, unity and peaceful coexistence witnessed during the first 100 days of the governor in office was an indication of his people-oriented administration in the state.
The council chairmen said they defected to the PDP-led administration under Matawalle alongside thousands of their supporters.
They assured of their readiness to rally round the administration and support the Governor to transform the state to an enviable position.
The council Chairmen prayed that God Almighty in his infinite mercy would give the Governor the wisdom to lead, while the leaders at the grass roots will join the administration for the overall development of the state.
According to the statement, while receiving the Council chairmen into the party, Matawalle thanked them for their foresight in joining the PDP in the State.
He pointed out that the party would continue to give equal treatment to all its members.
He said his administration would continue to introduce policies and programmes that have direct bearing to the common man.
He also vowed to ensure rapid development of all towns and villages in the state with a view to meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the electorate.
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