A socio-political group, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Alliance for Good Governance Against Divisive Politics in the Region (SKPAGGDPR), has condemned what it described as attempts by some individuals to sow discord among key political leaders over the recent establishment of a federal university and medical centre in Southern Kaduna.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the group expressed concern over what it called deliberate efforts to create friction between President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and Senator representing Southern Kaduna, Sunday Katung.
The group criticised a statement issued by a faction known as the Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum, which they claimed seeks to misrepresent the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia and the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan.
Convener of SKPAGGDPR, Edward Auta, alongside co-convener Ezekiel Shamaki, said such divisive actions were counterproductive and unrepresentative of the aspirations of Southern Kaduna’s peace-loving and development-oriented youth.
They alleged that the unnamed group was being used by desperate politicians to disrupt the harmony currently enjoyed among political leaders and undermine the progress being made in the region.
“We completely reject these divisive tactics and reaffirm our support for the cooperation between Senator Katung and the APC-led administration at both federal and state levels. This partnership has brought tangible developments to our zone, and we must not allow selfish interests to derail it,” Auta said.
The group urged President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Katung, and community and religious leaders to disregard the actions of detractors and remain focused on ensuring the full take-off and sustainable funding of the two newly established institutions.
They also commended Senator Katung for sponsoring the bills that provided the legal framework for the establishment of the university and medical centre and for his efforts in mobilising support to make the projects a reality.
“We believe these projects are a major milestone for our region, and the least anyone can do is to commend the leaders who made them possible, not vilify them,” Auta added.
The group extended appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Kaduna State Government, and security agencies, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, a native of Southern Kaduna, for improvements in the security situation across the region.
While acknowledging progress, Auta noted that banditry and kidnapping remain serious threats and called for continued vigilance and support for security agencies.
He also raised concern about the deplorable condition of the Kagoro–Manchok–Jos Federal Highway, which he said is affecting movement and commerce across the region. The group appealed to Senator Katung to use his influence to facilitate federal government intervention and rehabilitate the critical road link.