By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A coalition of health professionals from Southern Kaduna has faulted a recent call by a group identified as the “Southern Kaduna Progressive Youth Network” for the recall of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, describing the campaign as politically motivated and baseless.
The group, in a statement made available to AREWA PUNCH, said the recall campaign was triggered by what it termed “a mischievous and politically-inspired publication” by an online news outlet, Premium Times, which has since been widely discredited.
“We find the recall move shocking and unfortunate. It is a desperate ploy by a faceless group to discredit a Senator whose leadership has brought admiration, infrastructure, and visible development to our people,” the statement read.
They accused the masterminds of being aware of the truth but bent on launching a campaign of calumny against Senator Katung, who they say has championed inclusive representation and development across the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District.
The health professionals listed several achievements under Senator Katung’s representation, including the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan; and the proposed Institute for Incubation Technology along Madakiya Road.
“These institutions are not only strategic for healthcare delivery and research, but they have also created thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for our youths and professionals,” the statement added.
Senator Katung, they noted, has also awarded scholarships to hundreds of indigent students studying Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, and Law in various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
“He has constructed and renovated health facilities across the district, intervened during the recent diphtheria outbreak with medical consumables and financial support, and continues to sponsor medical bills for the less privileged,” they said.
The group further commended the Senator for facilitating employment opportunities for qualified graduates into various state and federal establishments.
“We dissociate ourselves from this clandestine and ill-conceived recall campaign. Instead, we proudly pass a vote of confidence on Senator Katung and endorse his second-term bid. He deserves the mandate to consolidate on his gains and advance his legislative agenda,” the statement concluded.
