By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The campaign organisation of governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, has clarified his position on the proposed Wukari Flyover, saying his concerns are driven by development priorities and the long-term economic interests of the people.
The clarification followed a recent reaction by the Jukun Youth Cultural Development Association (JYCDA) to Shiddi’s comments on the proposed project.
In a statement issued by the campaign organisation and signed by its Director of Media and Strategy, Mr. Emma Umaru, the team said Shiddi’s position should not be interpreted as opposition to the development of Wukari, stressing that he remains committed to the progress of the town and Southern Taraba.
The organisation described Shiddi as a “bona fide son of Wukari” whose commitment to the area was demonstrated through his eight years of service at the National Assembly and contributions to infrastructural and social development.
According to the campaign team, Shiddi’s concern is primarily about whether the proposed flyover represents the most urgent and economically beneficial investment at a time when several critical infrastructure needs remain.
It highlighted the Chinkai and Ibi bridges, arguing that strategic investments in such infrastructure could open up economic corridors, improve the movement of people and goods, attract industries, create employment and stimulate economic activities across Wukari and Southern Taraba.
The team also drew attention to challenges relating to potable water, healthcare and township roads, describing them as pressing issues that directly affect residents.
It explained that the expression “misplaced priority” was intended to question the order in which public resources should be deployed, rather than to reject the flyover project itself.
“Nobody is saying that Wukari should not have a flyover,” the organisation stated, arguing that the issue was whether the project should take precedence over other pressing needs at this particular time.
The campaign team appealed to JYCDA, community leaders and other stakeholders to consider Shiddi’s position objectively and engage the substance of the argument without allowing political differences to overshadow issues of development.
It also urged youth organisations and community bodies to remain inclusive, independent and constructive in representing the collective interests of Wukari youths, irrespective of political affiliation.
The organisation maintained that Wukari’s development should be a shared responsibility and not a partisan issue, calling for constructive dialogue on projects that would deliver the greatest social and economic benefits to the people.
It reaffirmed Danji SS’s commitment to the development of Wukari, Taraba State and the wellbeing of the people, stressing that the ultimate measure of development should be the impact of public projects on citizens’ lives rather than simply the size or cost of the projects.
