By Gurara Accord
A group in the Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency has commended Hon. Henry Mara, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, NGOs and Development Partners in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, for publicly speaking on what it described as a longstanding political understanding between Jaba and Zangon Kataf Local Government Areas.
The group, in a statement signed by Engr. Bisan Yabuat, Director-General, Media and Strategy to Engr. Seth Bakut, said Mara’s comments had generated public discussion about the rotation of the Federal House of Representatives seat between the two local government areas.
In a video currently circulating, Mara is heard saying: “We have an unwritten agreement. The seat of the House of Representatives that is in Jaba LGA today is supposed to go to Zangon Kataf LGA, Zangon Kataf specifically.”
According to the group, the statement touches on what it described as a longstanding political understanding between Jaba and Zangon Kataf, which have historically maintained close political, social and developmental relationships.
The group described the two local government areas as being closely connected, saying their shared history and interests should be protected from political disagreements.
It particularly commended Mara for what it described as his courage to express his position on the issue despite maintaining a close relationship with the current member representing the Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji.
“Hon. Henry Mara represents the class of politicians who are honourable, principled and courageous enough to speak their minds on matters of public interest,” the statement said.
The group said Mara’s position demonstrated what it called sincerity of purpose, arguing that political leaders should be able to maintain relationships with individuals across political divides while expressing their views on issues affecting their constituents.
It also appealed to political leaders, stakeholders and residents of both Jaba and Zangon Kataf to avoid rhetoric or actions that could create unnecessary divisions between the two communities.
The statement warned against allowing the interests of individual politicians to undermine the relationship between the two local government areas, stressing that disagreements should be addressed through dialogue, mutual respect and consultation.
The group further urged stakeholders to approach the issue with maturity and understanding, saying the priority should be preserving the unity of the constituency and strengthening the relationship between Jaba and Zangon Kataf.
“The ultimate objective should be to preserve the unity of the constituency, strengthen the relationship between Jaba and Zangon Kataf, and ensure that political competition does not destroy the bonds that have held the people together over the years,” it said.
