By Moses Okorie
The former member representing AMAC/ Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Micah Jiba has formerly decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jiba, a two-term chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) was received into the ruling party by the Minister for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo on Wednesday, according to a press release issued in Abuja by Kingsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to AMAC Chairman
Speaking while receiving Jiba into the party at Apo Resettlement Town-hall, Jisalo, who is the leader of the APC in the FCT, said he long expected Jiba in the APC, but that the defection is worth the long wait.
He said: “Today, my heart is fulfilled. I am saying this because of what has happened from the beginning, from 1999 to date. I remember that I was in another party, I saw the classes and I made up my mind, I had to sacrifice to join the APC. Yes, some people talked to me to join the APC, but my surprise is that when I joined the APC, those that I think will receive me were not there for me, but I was encouraged.
“The former President, our former leader, who has gone to meet his father, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, called me in the villa and he said he wants me in the party and I joined the party. Even when I contested election as a senator, but lost, I wasn’t discouraged, because my mind was telling me I was in APC for a purpose.
“In most cases, when I come to a program here, I will see Maikalangu, I will see my brother Micah. I would say I was in APC to prepare a way for you, that even if the road is blocked, I am ready to accept you, and I am welcoming you. That is why I am here today, to receive him, because I have promised that I will come and receive him when he is ready, when it is appropriate for him to come.
“Honourable Micah, you are welcome to APC. Like we said, party remains one. He is coming today, he is just like somebody who has entered the party, who formed the party or who has joined the party five years ago. Today, he has the same ranking, we are all together. So, there is no difference. We will continue to move for the success of area council elections. APC is going to win the FCT area council election.”
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, said the former lawmaker took the best decision to defect to the APC, saying politics is a game of interests.