From WILLIE ATTAH, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has described the defection of prominent opposition figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (POP) into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the end of opposition politics in the state.
The governor made this declaration shortly after a well-known POP stalwart and business mogul, Jerry Joseph Damara, alongside several top POP members from Gombe South, pledged their loyalty to the APC during a courtesy visit to him.
According to Governor Inuwa, “this is a very big moment that has signified that there is no more opposition in Gombe State because the backbone of the opposition has been broken. By the grace of God, we shall move as a family and ensure that the developmental efforts of this government and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are joined together to bring a faster development to the people and change the tide and improve on the lot of the people of Nigeria and Gombe State in particular. It is a very big day for us, we will celebrate and will continuously celebrate.”
Earlier in his remarks during the courtesy call, Jerry Joseph Damara, who led a delegation that included former Deputy Governor, Tha’anda Jason Rubainu, former National Assembly member, Hon. Adamu Gora Kalba, and former Minority Leader in the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Rambi Ibrahim Ayala, among others, said his decision to join the APC was inspired by the developmental strides of the Inuwa-led government.
He explained that as a construction professional, he was particularly impressed by the massive infrastructure! works across the state as well as the administration’s commitment to security.
“Construction is the heartbeat of a state. You cannot change a state without construction. Governor In u wa is construction, Governor Inuwa is security,” he declared.
Damara stressed that their defection was more than just a routine political realignment but a significant movement.
“We have taken a decision and opposition has finished in Gombe. We assure that we will not joke with loyalty, by the grace of God,” he pointed out.
While displaying their APC membership cards and seeking the governor’s blessings, Damara and his group expressed appreciation to Governor Inuwa for warmly receiving them into the APC fold.