Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed optimism that the end of insecurity in Nigeria is in sight, assuring that President Bola Tinubu is intensifying efforts to restore peace across the country.
Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he formally received Governor Dauda Lawal and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on behalf of the President.
He said the Tinubu administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
“We pray for more unity and progress under President Bola Tinubu because our leader is working very hard to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria,” he said.
The Vice President added that security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of the country would be addressed, noting that Governor Lawal’s defection to the APC would further strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity.
Shettima also suggested that opposition parties would struggle to gain relevance in Zamfara, given the alignment of major political actors in the state.
Earlier, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said members of the National Assembly under the APC fully support Lawal’s defection.
He noted that collaboration between the governor, other state leaders, and the federal government would help address security and development challenges.
“The solution lies in collaboration and teamwork. His joining the APC shows wisdom,” Barau said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the development as historic, declaring that there was effectively no opposition left in Zamfara State.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, welcomed Lawal into the APC, describing the move as a “win-win” for the state.
“APC is a moving train, and we are happy that Zamfara has joined that train. All APC governors will support Governor Lawal to do more for the state,” he said.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, also praised the governor’s performance, citing ongoing infrastructural projects, including the construction of a new airport.
He presented the APC flag and broom, symbolising Lawal’s formal entry into the party.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal thanked his predecessors, including Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, and Senator Abdulazeez Yari, for their support.
He pledged to work for the success of the APC and the development of Zamfara State.
“I will embrace all my predecessors, and I will work hard for the progress of Zamfara State,” he said.
Former governors Yari and Matawale also pledged their support for Lawal and President Tinubu ahead of future elections.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Follow us on:
