Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has indefinitely postponed his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as a national tragedy requiring sober reflection rather than political celebration.
Governor Kefas said the decision was taken out of respect for the victims and their families, stressing that moments of national insecurity demand unity, not partisan activity.
“In a moment when Nigeria is once again confronted with the reality of insecurity, solidarity and compassion must rise above politics,” he said.
Kefas, who noted that his administration places a premium on security, education, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, said it would be “morally right and nationally responsible” to step back from major political engagements until the crisis is addressed.
He added that the safety of citizens must take precedence over political movements.
Kefas said, “In the light of the deeply troubling incident of the kidnapping of innocent school girls in kebbi state, I have taken the solemn decision to postpone my scheduled declaration and movement to the All Progressive Congress.
“At a moment when our nation is once again confronted with the painful reality of insecurity, solidarity and compassion must rise above politics. The safety of our children, the most vulnerable and precious members of our society, is far more important than any political activities or ceremony.
“Today, my heart is with the families of the abducted children, with the government of the people of kebbi state and every Nigerian who feels the weight of this tragic incident, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As a leader and a governor whose administration prioritises security, education and protection of the vulnerable, I believe it is morally right and nationally responsible to suspend all major political events until the situation receives the urgent attention it deserves.
“This is not a time for celebration, it is a time for reflection, prayers, unity and collective actions. I call on all security agencies, which I know have the capacity to rescue these children, to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the girls.
“I also call on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful and united in this difficult moment. A new date for my movement will be communicated after due consultation and when it is appropriate to do so.”
The governor had announced his defection to the APC last week and was supposed to be received into the party on Wednesday.
Naijaonpoint earlier reported that terrorists attacked the Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State in the early hours of Monday.
The assailants were said to have stormed the school around 5:52 a.m., shooting sporadically as students prepared for the day’s activities. Twenty-five female students were abducted, while the bandits killed the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, during the raid.
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