By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
Representatives of elders, senior citizens and development-minded individuals from Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have observed with dismay that internal and local challenges, political disputes and struggles have stunted development, leading to more crises than progress in the past 33 years in the area.
They noted that the absence of democratically elected council in the area, has hindered any meaningful development, leaving only political turmoil in its wake.
A joint statement issued by Chief Peter N. Buba, Mr. Mamman D. Sarki, Mr. Martins D. Chiroma, Mr. Istifanus Zom and Chief Iliya B. Bako on Monday in Kaduna, expressed delight with the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the party’s establishment in Kaduna State for yielding to the aspirations of the good people of Jaba LGA by conducting a befitting congresses (ward and LGA), hoping that the people-oriented thinking will guide the party’s thoughts and tendency up to the coming LG election in their domain.
The statement said that when people are part of the processes that a candidate emerges and even wins election, the people would be happy because their preferred candidate is in power and the same people will buy-in, adding that such government will enjoy legitimacy and massive support from the people.
“The just concluded LGA congresses in our local government is a classical example of how carrying people along can guarantee peaceful coexistence. After the rescheduled congresses in Jaba, the people are happy,” the statement explained.
It commended the people of Jaba LGA for their resilience and standing up for the truth and also insisting on the right thing to be done for equity, fairness and justice to prevail, saying that the congresses has come and gone and Jaba LGA is peaceful because people had their way, as denial against justice is a requisite for discontentment, agitation and even violence.
It also commended the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy that offers renewed hope for democracy in the local government, assuring that with the autonomy granted, people at the grassroots would now have the opportunity to use it wisely and drive development.
To ensure a just, fair, and peaceful election that will foster development, the group advocated for the freedom of the electorates to be true stakeholders in the election process, stressing that they should have the right to vote for candidates who will bring development and reject those who will not, as the people are the real stakeholders in this process.
The group thanked the current state government that has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law, justice, and fairness, pointing out that the Governor has given them hope that the Jaba Local Government can finally thrive under the present administration.
Ensure a level playing field, the group advocated for free, fair, and democratically accepted elections at both the ward and local government levels, stressing that the people should have the power to elect leaders who will serve their interests and bring development, and they should also have the power to remove those who fail to deliver on their promises.
The group proposed for a town hall meeting that has proven effective in the past, calling on all development associations in Jaba LGA in conjunction with Ham Development Association (HAMDA) to facilitate the forum where all political aspirants at the local government and ward levels can present their platforms and convince the community why they deserve their votes.
“The community should also have the power to hold these leaders accountable if they fail to fulfil their promises,” the statement observed.
