29/01/2025
Kajuru LGA Coalition Calls On All Political Parties To Give Bye-Election Tickets To Kajuru Candidates To Ensure Fairness
The Coalition of Pressure Groups and Socio-Cultural Organisations in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, has issued a press statement urging all political parties to give their tickets to candidates from Kajuru in the upcoming bye-elections for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
The Coalition highlighted the long-standing political challenges faced by Kajuru LGA and called for equitable representation in the House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming bye-elections to correct historical underrepresentation.
In the statement signed by the groups, led by the NLC leader of Kajuru Comrade Jesse Ali, the Coalition stressed that democracy is a system of government that guarantees equity, justice, fairness, and the participation of all citizens.
Local governments, they argue, should have the opportunity to benefit from federal policies and initiatives, ensuring that all areas have access to federal resources and development.
"Kajuru LGA falls under the Kaduna Central Senatorial District and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency. The Coalition noted that the representation of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat has been held by a representative from Chikun LGA since 2003, leaving Kajuru without a voice in the House of Representatives for over 21 years."
"Despite a power rotation agreement between the two local governments, Kajuru has been excluded from the federal stage."
This lack of federal representation, the Coalition argues, has led to significant underdevelopment in Kajuru, despite the area being rich in natural resources.
"Kajuru is home to fertile agricultural lands that produce crops such as maize, rice, soybeans, yam, and potatoes, as well as cash crops like tomatoes, ginger, groundnuts, and shea butter. However, these resources have not been fully harnessed due to the lack of federal support."
The statement also highlighted the potential for local industries, particularly in tourism, with attractions like the Kajuru Castle, which has remained underdeveloped due to ongoing insecurity in the region.
"Insecurity has caused the displacement of thousands of residents, destruction of property, and a rise in criminal activities, including child trafficking, early marriages, school dropouts, and widespread poverty."
According to the Coalition, these issues have remained largely ignored because Kajuru has not had a federal representative to advocate for its concerns at the national level. The group is now calling for the power rotation agreement between Kajuru and Chikun to be upheld and for Kajuru to be given the opportunity to elect a representative in the upcoming bye-elections.
The Coalition stressed that this will ensure fairness, equity, and the development of the constituency. They point to other constituencies in Kaduna, including Kachia/Kagarko, Jaba/Zangon Kataf, and Giwa/Birnin Gwari, where power rotation strategies have worked effectively to foster balanced development.
The group also pointed out the potential of Kajuru’s youth, who are seen as energetic, philanthropic, and capable of leading the constituency into a brighter future. One such aspirant, running under the ruling party, has been recognized for his extensive philanthropic work in Chikun/Kajuru, including the provision of streetlights, boreholes, repairs of transformers, and youth and women empowerment programs.
According to the Coalition, such persons are well-positioned to bring about positive change and development to the area.
The Coalition also called on key political leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shetima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governor of Kaduna State Senator Uba Sani, and other relevant federal, state, and local government leaders to intervene in the process.
They urged these leaders to ensure that the upcoming bye-elections are fair and that candidates from Kajuru are given the opportunity to run for the seat.
The Coalition pointed out that the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat has been vacant since mid-2024 due to the passing of the incumbent representative from Chikun.
With the bye-elections fast approaching, they believe that now is the time for Kajuru to have proper representation at the federal level.
The group called for the tickets across all political parties to be awarded to candidates from Kajuru, ensuring that the local government is heard and seen at the federal level.
Additionally, the Coalition suggested that a legally backed agreement on power rotation between Kajuru and Chikun be formalized, ensuring that each local government has the chance to present a candidate for a term or two, fostering inclusivity, justice, and equitable development for both areas.
In conclusion, the Coalition expressed hope that the President, Governor Uba Sani, and other political leaders would intervene and address the plight of Kajuru, ensuring that the local government is given a fair chance at development and representation in the House of Representatives.
KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Media/News Agency
