The Ham community in Jaba Local Government Area, located in the Kaduna South Senatorial District of Kaduna State, has expressed discontent over the ongoing imposition of Chairpersons during the past eight years of the administration led by former Governor Nasiru el-Rufai.
In a press statement jointly signed by Martins Boris Chiroma, Mamman D. Sarki, Istifanus Zom, Iliya Bako Byeing and Peter N. Buba for the Ham elders, said they want a free and fair election.
The elders say their anticipation for the local government elections scheduled for October 19, 2024, is for it to be free and fair.
The statement references a well-known quote from former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This assertion underscores the essential role of the populace in governance and highlights the long standing issue of imposed leadership in Jaba LG over the last eight years.
The elders emphasized that democracy thrives on the principle that elections are the legitimate pathway for the emergence of leaders. They argue that the citizens of Jaba should not only have the right to vote for their preferred candidates but that their votes must be respected and counted.
“At this critical juncture, it is imperative that we voice our concerns regarding our rights and representation,” the statement reads. “Despite our reputation as peace-loving people, the last eight years have demonstrated that being organized and engaged yields no benefits under the current system,” they said, adding that the community has long sought development, but it remains elusive when leadership is not chosen based on merit and capability.
The elders lament that under Governor Nasiru el-Rufai, Jaba LG has not had an elected Chairperson, with appointments made without regard for local sentiment or input. “We have reached a breaking point. It is time for us to exercise our constitutional rights and select our leaders.”
In their appeal to Governor Uba Sani and relevant authorities, the elders stressed the need for Jaba to have the opportunity to elect leaders of their choosing rather than accepting imposed candidates.
To promote peace and development in the local government, as outlined by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the autonomy of local government councils, the Elders of Jaba LG in Ham land presented their earnest requests:
“1. A peaceful election in all units and wards, Voters should be free to choose candidates without interference, Votes must be counted fairly and justly, Winners at all stages—Ward Council and Chairmanship—should be declared in accordance with electoral laws, Results should be counted at voting centers, with declarations made immediately by Returning Officers, and copies of results distributed to relevant officials, Any individual from Ham/Jaba involved in fraudulent result declarations will face sanctions within the community, We commend the State Government for conducting local elections in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment, These measures will foster not only development but also peace and tranquility in Jaba land,” they added.
