From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Ahead of tomorrow’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, has declared that no amount of pressure would force him to step down for any aspirant.
He also stated that another frontline APC governorship aspirant in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK), was free to make his own political decision in order to narrow the contest between himself and the incumbent governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, so that the people of Taraba could choose their preferred candidate.
Sambo made the declaration during a press conference with journalists in Jalingo, where he expressed concern over what he described as the neglect of Taraba State under the Kefas administration.
He lamented that the state had remained a “laughing stock” in Nigeria when compared to the eight other states created 35 years ago.
According to him, the essence of the briefing was to inform the public and the people of Taraba that he remained fully in the race ahead of the APC governorship primary scheduled to hold tomorrow across the 168 wards of the state.
“I will not step down for any individual,” he declared.
“It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this epoch-making occasion, the official declaration of my intention to contest for the office of Governor of our dear Taraba State. Today is not merely about politics.
“It is about purpose, it is about the future of our people, It is about the soul and destiny of Taraba State,” he stated.
The former minister appreciated the people of the state for what he described as a collective call for change and a better future.
“Tarabans, you called, and we answered. From the plains of Wukari to the hills of the Mambilla, from the dreams of our youth to the prayers of our elders, one message has echoed consistently across our land: A Better Taraba,” he said.
Jaji acknowledged the developmental challenges confronting the state and unveiled his vision for a prosperous and inclusive Taraba.
“A Taraba where opportunity is not the privilege of a few, but the right of all. A Taraba where roads connect people to prosperity. A Taraba where education prepares our children for the future. A Taraba where healthcare is accessible and affordable. A Taraba where agriculture becomes wealth. A Taraba where investment meets opportunity. A Taraba where every citizen, regardless of tribe, faith, or background, feels seen, valued, and protected,” he declared.
Aligning his ambition with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jaji said he could no longer remain passive in the face of the developmental challenges facing the state.
“Yet, for too long, our possibilities have remained greater than our progress. That must change. And that is why we stand here today. I have decided not to remain on the fence complaining, but to join the race, standing firmly on the Renewed Hope mandate of our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he affirmed.
Speaking further on the forthcoming party primaries, the governorship aspirant stressed the need for unity, discipline and internal democracy within the APC.
“I am committed to a Taraba where government works, institutions function, businesses thrive, and the people flourish. And it all begins with the primaries. We shall conduct ourselves within the ambit of decorum, strengthening the ideals of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, knowing that victory is assured through unity, discipline, and collective resolve,” he said.
