Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Brigadier General Katunku Simon Gora (rtd) has thrown his hat into the political ring. He is eyeing the House of Representatives seat to represent Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s platform. AMOS TAUNA says given the tumultuous reception from his kinsmen and the entire Atyap people while declaring his aspiration to vie for the seat, the retired Army General is set to disappoint many that readily hold on to the proverbial saying that a prophet is without honour in his home.
By all standard, the welcome was heroic. In their numbers, his kinsmen and the entire Atyap people demonstrated acceptance and support for Brigadier General Katunku Simon Gora (rtd)’s aspiration to represent them in the National Assembly come 2019.
With the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the chosen platform for the battle ahead, the programme ran for two days between Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22, 2018. Activities had commenced with a prayer session in General Katunku’s compound as Rev Apostle Joseph Maji Alhassan of the Orphans and Widows Welfare Foundation, Kafanchan led other clerics seeking God’s intervention, blessings, guidance and protection for success in the task ahead.
Rev Apostle Alhassan declared, “For asking God for His leadership in the journey to the House of Representatives, the Lord God Almighty will lead you to success.
“The land need politicians that fear God in all spheres of life to lead his people to the Promised Land. Leaders always deviate from the purpose of God Almighty leading to what Nigerians are presently passing through.”
He however warned that; “Politicians should know that there is the judgment of God that is awaiting every human being where everybody will account for his or her deeds on earth.”
Formally declaring his aspiration for the Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency seat, General Katunku said the decision is motivated by his love and passion to bring about positive development to his people. “I have signed a covenant with God that if given the mandate, I will carry everybody along,” he pledged.
He said the prayer session that involved both Christians and Muslims living in Bafai Gora and beyond also signifies the unity of purpose, adding that this development presents the panacea to heal the land and help the people to turn a new leaf for a better society where issues of unity, peace and development are at the front burner.
According to him, “l am loaded with many dreams towards making Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency a pace-setter for others to emulate.
“Development is not about resources, it is about connection. As a retired General, l can enter any office in the country to demand for whatever may be the need of my people.
“I have connections even outside the country. There are so many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have money to develop the rural areas. All they need are those to partner with for such development to take place.
“I am only a mouthpiece if given the mandate to ensure an inclusive leadership for the benefit of the constituency. I have a dream to make people employers of labour. I tried it in the barracks and it worked. It could be used in our constituency because the human and natural resources abound in the area.”
Described as the ‘Man of the People’ by his numerous supporters, Gen Katunku said; “Our people are intelligent, hardworking, religious, honest and reliable. All we need is a leadership that will give us direction for us to succeed and achieve whatever we want for our people. All our decisions, recommendations and action on policies will originate from bottom to top as a way of carrying everyone along.”
He therefore urged all his supporters to always ensure friendly, brotherly and peaceful conduct before, during and after the electioneering campaigns for a peaceful and united people as well as positive development of the area.
The prayer session followed a meeting with members of Atyap Political Consultative Forum (APCF) where the General intimated them of his aspiration and sought their blessings for the task ahead.
In his remarks, Chairman of APCF and former chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, J. B. Ayock, blessed the aspirant and asked for God’s blessings, guidance and direction in all his undertakings to pick the Party’s ticket and contest the 2019 elections.
The Forum noted that General Katunku is the first aspirant to consult its members, adding that no political party has so far presented any aspirant to them that is seeking an elective political office in the area.
Basking in the APCF’s blessings, the stage was now set for Friday, June 22, 2018 as Gen Katunku officially declared at his polling unit, Bafai Gora. As expected, elders and stakeholders were on hand to express their support and readiness to work tirelessly towards actualizing his dream.
The retired General assured the people that after 32 years of military service, he was ready to contribute his quota to the welfare of people, stressing that his consultations with various stakeholders have given him further insight on the plights of his people.
At the PDP ward office, the officials expressed delight with the aspirant’s foresight and focus towards ensuring better living conditions for the people and wish him well in the noble task before him. They also assured him of their readiness and support towards realising the noble objective.
Similarly, the huge crowd that welcomed him at the PDP local government party Secretariat in Zonkwa was a manifestation of his acceptability as different stakeholders testified of his leadership qualities, noting that even with his meagre resources, Gen Katunku is always ready to share and contribute to any meaningful development in the area.
The atmosphere was not different at Kwoi local government as PDP stakeholders acknowledged the aspirant’s leadership attributes and assured him of their unalloyed support.
In his remarks, former House of Reps member, Mr Godfrey Gaiya said; “I am here because l am an apostle of truth, fairness and the right thing must be done. I hereby endorsed General Katunku Simon Gora as the PDP candidate in the 2019 general elections representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.”
Also, Philip Gwadah, the acclaimed winner of the Jaba Local Government chairmanship election on the platform of PDP, assured that the party at the local government level would mobilise to support General Katunku’s candidacy in the 2019 general elections.
The PDP Chairman of Jaba local government, Bisallah Gyet in re-echoing the Party’s readiness to stand behind the aspirant, said conscious efforts would be made to ensure his victory at the party’s primaries and general elections come 2019.
Also speaking, Director General of the General Katunku Simon Gora’s Campaign Organisation and former Commissioner of Water Resources in Kaduna State, Tsahiru Bako, extolled the leadership qualities of the aspirant.
He described him as a marketable product anywhere, noting that he is readily being accepted by all for his visionary pursuits, focus and determination to effect positive developments in the politics of the area.
Gracing the declaration were prominent politicians from within and outside Southern Kaduna, including former Ministers, commissioners and other notable dignitaries
