Defection: Tinubu receives Taraba gov, Agbu, ex-Akwa Ibom

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Isaac Job, Uyo.

President Bola Tinubu received Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu at the State House in Abuja yesterday, ahead of his formal defection

Agbu arrived around 1:30 p.m. and was later escorted to the President’s office by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for a meeting that began at about 2 p.m.

This engagement marks Agbu’s first official meeting with President Tinubu since his recent switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

The governor had planned to attend an APC welcome event on November 19 but postponed his participation following the tragic kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has finalised arrangements to defect to the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

Udom who was sighted at the just-concluded national convention of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan was said to have praised President Bola Tinubu during interaction with journalists at the United Evangelical Church, Surulere Lagos and expressed his readiness to work with Tinubu .

He noted that all hands must be on deck to massively provide required support for President Tinubu to solve the problems facing the country.

“This is not the time to dwell on factors that create divisions, the issues that expand the frontiers of our disagreements and further undermine our national unity.

“Rather, as a people, we must pull together to confront our common enemies by giving every necessary support to President Tinubu to enable him face the challenges that are militating against the progressive movement upon which he has set our nation.”

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has commended his predecessor, Mr Udom for urging Nigerians to rally support for President Bola Tinubu.

The governor’s statement read in part: “This is a welcome development and a testament to the fact that in spite of our political differences, we are united in our support and therefore, must rally behind the President as he confronts the challenges facing our dear nation.

“This, indeed speaks so eloquently about the Akwa Ibom United mantra we have been championing and I salute and thank my predecessor for this patriotic act.”