By Lola Idahosa, Kaduna
As the National Assembly Primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) draw nearer, the Council of Elders and Stakeholders have recommended former Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance and Water Resources, Barrister Sunday Marshal Katung for election into the Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal constituency.
The decision was reached at an all important meeting of major stakeholders and elders of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.
They agreed that the incumbent Member representing the area, Hon Godfrey Ali Gaiya from Jaba local government has served his two years terms hence the need to give way to somebody from Zangon Kataf local government based on the rotational agreement between the two local governments.
The meeting which was summoned by the PDP Chairman of Zangon Kataf local government, Hon. Gaiya Yunusa, was attended by the secretary of the party, Mr. Sam Basa, member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Esther Abba, Elder J.B Ayok, Elder Samaila Dambo, Elder Dominic Gambo Yahaya, Dr. Baba Usman, kaduna state commissioner of information, Mr. Ben Bako, special adviser to kaduna state governor on education, Hon. Matthew Gwaza, former kaduna state commissioner of local government, Hon. Yohanna Allahmagani among others.
The meeting also had in attendance all former local government Chairmen of the local government and all serving and former State lawmakers from the local government.
It was learnt that the elders at the meeting had before taking their stance on the candidature of Barrister Katung asked all the four aspirants jostling for the Jaba/Zangon Kataf federal constituency to present their blueprint for the people.
Upon listening to all presentations, the elders agreed that out of the four people jostling for the same position within the local government, only Barrister Katung’s blueprint looks more realizable and acceptable considering the yearnings and aspiration of the people.
A former Chairman of Zangon Kataf local government, Elder Samaila Dambo who spoke at the event, stressed on the need to present only one candidate at the primary election to contest with the incumbent occupy of the seat who is also seeking third term.
He argued delegates from Zangon Kataf local government to vote for the recommended candidate whose track record in both public and private sector cannot be question.
On the other three aspirants who refusde to step down for the recommended candidate after several interventions and pleas from the major stakeholders, the meeting resolved not to stop their aspiration but would work in support and emergence of Barrister Katung as the sole candidate of the party from Zangon Kataf local government.
Meanwhile, the current Chairman of the local government who is also vying for the same Jaba/Zangon Kataf federal constituency, Hon. Christopher Haruna at the meeting threatened to support the incumbent occupier of the seat if he is not given the needed support to win the party’s primaries.
