By Bomba Dauda
A recent press conference held by a group: Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum, led by Engr. Seth Bakut contains some misinformation that I will want to clear the air. This is because, since Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung became a senator, I have had the privilege of covering most of his legislative and constituency activities, and I was a member of the Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum thatparley with him.
I feel that with the vast knowledge of both his legislative and constituency activities that I have, I can’t sit idly while concocted information has been sold against him.
At the press conference, Bakut alleged that unnamed “propagandists” associated with Senator Katung were attempting to undermine the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences (FUASK) and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), in Kachia and Kafanchan, respectively.
The accusations are baseless and misleading. It is both illogical and dishonest to suggest that anyone can downplay the roles of the president or governor in such federal projects. Let me remind us, Senator Katung, is learned, exposed, and intelligent. He is also well-equipped with legislative procedures and how bills can become laws. Moreso, the Senator is a lawyer cum federal lawmaker. Bills require presidential assent, and state-level cooperation is often essential—especially in matters like land allocation.
The press statement vaguely accused “propagandists,” it repeatedly mentioned Senator Katung by name—an approach seen as political mischief and lacking credibility.
If the issue is with unnamed individuals, why single out the Senator? This comes across more as a targeted political smear than a genuine concern for Southern Kaduna.
Further claims that Senator Katung called his own press conference out of jealousy toward Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji falls on fragile ground. Records indicate that the Senator merely honoured a long-standing invitation by the Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum, led by Ango Bally.
During that meeting, which I was visibly there, Senator Katung expressly commended President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Governor Uba Sani for their roles in establishing FUASK and FMC, encouraging continued collaboration for the development of Southern Kaduna.
“It is not a time for self-praise,” the Senator reportedly said at the event. “It is a time to work together for the good of our people.”
In addition, investigations have revealed that Senator Katung’s legislative efforts on the proposed FMC were well-timed and procedural. His bill was submitted to the Senate Rules Committee in October 2023—just four months after the inauguration of the current National Assembly—and was first read on the Senate floor on February 24, 2024. This timeline contradicts claims made during the press briefing that attempted to question the Senator’s motives and actions.
Moreover, a specific quote from Senator Katung on legislative procedure—“I do not know if a budget provision can be made for a bill prior to its assent… if the President discovers this, he may withhold assent”—was taken out of context. The Senator was merely expressing a procedural concern, not issuing a political critique.
The forum also criticized Senator Katung for proposing another bill for a federal medical centre in Kafanchan. However, such redundancy is common in the legislative process, where bills from both chambers may be harmonized to serve the same goal. In fact, the Senator even offered to withdraw the bill after the President’s approval but was advised to allow the process to take its course, given its advanced stage.
The real issue is not duplication but collaboration. The people of Southern Kaduna want effective representation, not politically motivated attacks.
In conclusion, the press statement as ill-conceived, politically driven, and lacking in substance. Southern Kaduna’s focus should remain on unity, development, and delivering democratic dividends—not divisive politics or personal attacks.
