By Hauwa Ismael Ibrahim, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum has commended Representative Amos Gwamna Magaji for his pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kafanchan.
According to the forum’s Director of Research and Documentation, Engineer Seth Bakut Habila, Magaji’s efforts were instrumental in actualizing the project, which was initiated through the benevolence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the benefit of the region.
The forum accused Senator Sunday Marshall Katung of attempting to claim unilateral credit for the institution, which they said was an effort to undermine the presidency and deny the region further opportunities for advancement.
Habila stated that existing legislations permit the Federal Government, State Government, and private entities to establish universities without undergoing legislative processes at the National Assembly or state assemblies.
He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who established six regional universities without sponsored legislation, relying on the Nigerian University Commission to facilitate the process.
The forum clarified the record concerning the legislative and executive procedures that led to the establishment of the FMC, Kafanchan, saying the bill underwent a public hearing on March 27-28, 2024.
After the public hearing, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, chaired by Magaji, who promptly finalized the report and presented it to the House on October 10, 2024.
Magaji facilitated budgetary appropriation exceeding N1.7 billion for the take-off of the facility, which the forum said was a significant milestone in the project’s actualization.
However, Senator Katung allegedly exhibited jealousy, convening a media parley to discredit Magaji’s efforts, despite their differing political affiliations.
Katung was quoted as saying that budgetary provisions for the hospital couldn’t be made before the bill’s assent, which the forum said revealed his lack of understanding of legislative procedures.
The forum accused Katung of initiating a new bill for another Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, questioning his intentions and asking if he was attempting to instigate political discord.
They expressed appreciation for Governor Uba Sani’s contributions to the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, facilitating the establishment of the FMC, and designating over 170 hectares of land for the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
The forum assured President Tinubu, Governor Sani, and APC leaders of their commitment to support their re-election campaigns, promising at least one million votes.
They admonished Senator Katung to refrain from actions that could undermine peace and stability in the region, citing his personal aspirations for re-election.
The Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum reaffirmed its support for the APC leadership and its commitment to promoting peace and development in the region.
The forum’s Director of Research and Documentation, Engineer Seth Bakut Habila, signed the press statement, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and Governor Sani for their benevolence towards the region.
