Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon overcome its security challenges, assuring citizens that the Federal Government is making strong efforts to restore peace nationwide.
Shettima made this remark on Tuesday in Gusau during a ceremony where he officially welcomed Governor Dauda Lawal and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on behalf of President All Progressives Congress.
“We pray for more unity and progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because as our leader, he is working very hard to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria,” Shettima said.
He noted that the move by the Zamfara governor to join the ruling party would strengthen ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, particularly in troubled states.
The Vice President also assured Lawal of the full backing of both the Federal Government and the APC, while praising the people of Zamfara for their support.
Earlier, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said lawmakers elected on the APC platform were fully in support of the governor’s defection.
“The Governor will now be working together with other governors to help address the problems of the state and further enhance development,” Barau said.
He added that while security challenges are not unique to Zamfara, they can be addressed through cooperation among leaders.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the defection as a significant political development, saying it marked a new phase for the state.
“Today there is no opposition in Zamfara State,” Abbas said, urging residents to support the governor for greater development.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, also welcomed the move, describing it as beneficial to both the state and the party.
“APC is a moving train and we are happy that the State has joined that train. All Governors of APC will support Governor Lawal to do more for this State,” he said.
Similarly, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda declared that Zamfara had now fully aligned with the ruling party. He commended Lawal’s performance, especially in infrastructure development, and presented him with the party’s flag.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal thanked former governors, including Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle and Senator Abdulazeez Yari, for their support.
“I will embrace all my predecessors, and I will work hard for the progress of Zamfara State,” Lawal said, pledging loyalty to the APC and commitment to development.