By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Saturday said governance cannot be practiced in isolation but through partnership, noting that progress thrives on collective effort.
Shettima made the statement in Jalingo while officially welcoming Governor Agbu Kefas into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Vice President, the APC was established as a meeting point for development, adding that Governor Kefas’ movement into the party marked the beginning of a new era of transformation for Taraba State.
“Governor Kefas understands that leadership is not practiced in isolation but through partnership, because progress is a collective enterprise,” Shettima said.
He described the governor’s defection to the APC as a “personal torch,” considering his own position in the North-East region, and expressed optimism that the governors of Adamawa and Bauchi states would also join the party to make the entire region an APC stronghold.
“The APC was built as a meeting point for development. The coming of Governor Kefas into the party is a personal torch, considering my position in the North-East region and the historical connections of the Kwararafa Kingdom. I believe that, with time, the governors of Adamawa and Bauchi will follow suit, making the region an APC formation.
“The party was conceived as a broad platform for development-driven Nigerians, and the decision of the Taraba governor to join the party is timely and in line with the APC’s founding ideals,” he added.
Shettima also commended Governor Kefas for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to development.
“We believe nations endure when they acknowledge their strengths. Taraba State is an integral part of Nigeria, blessed with enormous potential for national growth. I commend the governor for his understanding of Taraba’s ethnic and religious diversity and his efforts to promote unity in the state.
“I urge the people of Taraba to rally behind him to advance development. We are proud of Governor Agbu Kefas for his sense of inclusiveness and development drive,” the Vice President said.
Shettima further declared that APC governors are the automatic leaders of the party in their respective states and urged party members to respect that structure.
“I wish to let our party members understand that APC governors are the automatic leaders of the party in their states. Governor Agbu Kefas is now the leader of the APC in Taraba State.
“I am the Vice President of Nigeria, but the leader of the APC in Borno State is Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. This applies to all APC states across the country, and party members should be guided accordingly,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, described Governor Kefas’ defection as a major boost for both the party and Taraba State.
Yilwada said the decision would help unlock the state’s vast economic and developmental potential, assuring party members of fairness, unity, and inclusiveness.
“Joining the APC is one of the best decisions for Taraba State. The state is richly endowed, and this alignment will position it for greater development,” he said.
He urged Governor Kefas to unite all party stakeholders, assuring both old and new members of equal rights and opportunities within the party.
In his response, Governor Kefas thanked the national leadership of the APC and the Federal Government, explaining that his decision to join the party was taken in the best interest of Taraba State.
“We will not dwell on the past. We will work together to redefine the future we desire for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn,” the governor said.
He stressed that his defection was driven by service rather than personal ambition, describing it as a mission aimed at delivering sustainable development to the people of the state.
“This is not about power, but purpose. We must align to deliver development. I will not abandon the mandate given to me; rather, I will strengthen it and ensure fairness to all,” Kefas said.
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a leader who understands governance and delivers results, while declaring Taraba State open for development and investment.
