From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda on Monday received renowned politicians and supporters who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and African Democratic Congress, (ADC) in Safana Local Government Area to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Gov Radda
The defectors were presented to Governor Radda at Government House by the Honourable Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abduljalal Haruna Runka who hails from the area and the Chairman of Safana Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Sani, popularly known as Brazil.
Governor Radda who welcomed the new member into the APC fold pledged to be fair and just to then without any discrimination and commended the Deputy Speaker, the Local Government Chairman, and other stakeholders for strengthening the party in Safana.
“We are happy to receive you into the APC. Your decision demonstrates your confidence in our leadership and commitment to the development of Katsina State,” the Governor said.
He assured the people of Safana that his administration would continue to support the area and address their development needs. He also urged the new members to work in unison with APC members.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abduljalal Haruna Runka, said the delegation came to formally present the new members to the Governor and reaffirm their commitment to the APC.
He thanked Governor Radda for his leadership and the development projects executed across Safana.
“We appreciate His Excellency for the support and development projects his administration has brought to our people. We assure him of our continued support and loyalty,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman of Safana Local Government Council, Hon. Abdullahi Sani, thanked Governor Radda for his continued support to the people of the area.
He said stakeholders in Safana would continue to work together to strengthen the APC and support the administration’s development agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the former PDP members, Umar Ya’u said Governor Radda’s fairness and development initiatives influenced their decision to join the APC.
He recalled benefiting from government-subsidised fertilizer while still a PDP member, saying the gesture showed the Governor’s fairness and non-discriminatory approach.
“I was surprised when I was told that I was among those who would receive government-subsidised fertilizer, even though I was then a member of the opposition PDP,” Umar Ya’u said.
He added that the gesture, along with the development projects of the Radda administration and the efforts of the Safana Local Government Chairman, convinced him and his supporters to join the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the ADC defectors, Hon. Umme Yakubu Safana thanked Governor Radda for welcoming them into the APC.
He said their decision was based on confidence in the Governor’s leadership and development initiatives.
“We are happy to join the APC and become one family. We are ready to work with other party members and support the development of Katsina State,” he said.
Hon. Yahaya Abubakar, Dan Area, led the PDP delegation, while Hon. Umme Yakubu Safana led the ADC delegation.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; and other top government officials.
