By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A group under the aegis of the Southern Kaduna People’s Alliance for Good Governance has raised the alarm over what it described as a deliberate attempt to create disunity among key political actors in the region, warning that such moves threaten recent gains in federal infrastructure and regional cooperation.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the group strongly condemned the activities of the Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum, led by one Seth Bakut, accusing it of engaging in divisive politics aimed at pitting Senator Sunday Marshall Katung against Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The alliance alleged that the Forum’s recent press briefing which criticised the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia and the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan was a veiled attack on the synergy between the senator and the APC-led federal and state governments.
“We are deeply concerned by this growing trend of mischief and attempts to heat up the polity by elements bent on driving a wedge between our leaders,” said the group’s convener, Comrade Edward John Auta. “No true Southern Kaduna youth should oppose progress merely on the basis of political affiliation.”
According to the group, recent institutional milestones in the region were achieved through strategic collaboration among Senator Katung, President Tinubu, and Governor Uba Sani. It called on both federal and state governments to remain focused on ensuring the full take-off and sustained funding of the two institutions.
The alliance also commended Senator Katung for sponsoring the bills that gave legal backing to the establishments, describing his efforts as “commendable and visionary.”
“Democracy thrives when leaders across party lines work together to deliver for the people,” added Co-convener Comrade Ezekiel Shamaki. “The least we can do is applaud such collaboration—not sabotage it.”
The group further expressed appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Kaduna State Government, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa a native of Southern Kaduna for their roles in securing presidential assent for the projects and enhancing regional security.
However, the group noted that security challenges persist in the region, with banditry and kidnapping still rampant in several communities. It urged security agencies to intensify their operations and offered prayers for the safety of all personnel engaged in restoring peace.
Additionally, the alliance drew attention to the deteriorating condition of the Kagoro-Manchok-Jos Federal Highway, noting that it hampers economic activity and connectivity between Southern Kaduna and the North-East. They appealed to Senator Katung to champion efforts to secure urgent federal intervention.
“May God bless our leaders and grant them the wisdom to sustain their collaboration for the benefit of our people,” the statement concluded.