By Chijindu Emeruwa, Abia.

The Abia leader of the All Progressive Grand Alliance and the lawmaker representing Aba south Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Obinna Ichita, has lauded the defection of the Senate Minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Abaribe had on Friday announced his resignation from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

The lawmaker, who represents Abia south Senatorial district, confirmed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Aba.

Abaribe further disclosed that he would be participating in the party’s senatorial primaries today (Saturday). Our earlier reported also that Abaribe had equally resigned as the Minority leader in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Reacting shortly after a visit to the ex-minority leader of the Senate in a statement issued in Umuahia, on Friday night, Obinna Ichita appealed to all progressives to join APGA so as to collectively salvage Abia from the clutches of bad governance.

The Abia opposition leader also urged eligible citizens living in the state to register and obtain their permanent voters cards (PVC) to enable them enthrone the responsive and purposeful leaderships at all levels of the state.

He stated partly, “while we welcome the distinguished Senator to APGA, I appeal to all Progressives to join APGA so that collectively, we can save Abia from the clutches of bad governance. I also appeal to everyone living in Abia State to please register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

“Five days ago, the leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State visited Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and urged him to join the revolution to redeem Abia State from the clutches of administrative ineptitude. The Senator promised to consult his constituents before considering our proposal.

“Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, having consulted with his constituents, has joined APGA and will be running to return to the Senate. Senator Abaribe has resigned his position as the Minority Leader of the Nigerian Senate. He has also resigned his membership of the PDP.

“While we welcome the distinguished Senator to APGA, I appeal to all Progressives to join APGA so that collectively, we can save Abia from the clutches of bad governance. I also appeal to everyone living in Abia State to please register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC)”.