Southern Kaduna: Defection of Opposition Party Members to APC Deliberate – Lawmaker

By Amos Tauna, Kaduna

The member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, Amos Gwamna Magaji, has stated that his defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC) is a deliberate and conscious effort aimed at bringing the desired dividends of democracy to his constituency.

In a media parley with journalists in Kaduna, Magaji emphasized that the ruling party has come to stay in Southern Kaduna, with the massive defection of members of the opposition party. He stressed the need to support agriculture and skills empowerment to mitigate employment and other challenges bedeviling the Southern senatorial district and the state.

Magaji disclosed that he has keyed into education, building at least one block of classrooms in all 21 wards in his constituency. “I represent Zangon Kataf/Jaba Local Governments Constituency, and it has 21 wards, and in these 21 wards, there’s no ward that I have not built a block of classroom, there is no ward that cannot boast of a classroom,” he said.

I represent Zangon Kataf/Jaba Local Governments Constituency, and it has 21 wards, and in these 21 wards

The lawmaker also acknowledged the issue of managing the widespread attacks by herdsmen, stating that since he came into power in 2019, he has tried to respond to situations that demanded quick responses, especially in Atyap chiefdom where the people suffered incessant attacks leading to destruction of lives and properties.

Magaji stated that providing foodstuffs as quick responses to crisis-hit areas has been his regular routine since he assumed office, stressing that in the two local governments, there is no ward that he has not served based on the immediate need of the area.

In infrastructural development, he assured that there is no part that was left unnoticed, saying that in crisis situations, Atyap people have received their fair share of the crises in Nigeria, hence the reason for giving much-needed attention than Jaba Local Government.

The lawmaker also noted that his influence and lobbying have yielded results, as the most anticipated bridge that connects Southern Kaduna to other parts of the state through Manchock is under construction and near completion.

In tackling unemployment, Magaji explained that the era of textile industries that brought so much relief to the government has all crumbled, leading to the government being unable to employ people. He encouraged youths in Southern Kaduna to go into agriculture, promising to support them.

Magaji also sponsored a bill to establish a Ginger institute and another bill to seek an amendment to establish a Root Crop Research Institute in the same zone, aimed at bringing about an economic boost within the Senatorial District.

On culture and tourism, the lawmaker mentioned that he has sponsored a bill to upgrade the status quo of the Nok Museum, which has already been passed into law, pointing out that these, among many others, are his major achievements.