The campaign says investment in bridges, roads, water and healthcare should be prioritised alongside major infrastructure projects.
By Sanee Yarima
The Danji SS Campaign Organisation has defended its principal, Danjuma Usman Shiddi, against criticism over his position on the proposed Wukari Flyover, saying his concerns are about government priorities rather than opposition to development.
The campaign was responding to a statement attributed to the Jukun Youth Cultural Development Association (JYCDA), which it said had portrayed Shiddi’s appeal as an attempt to oppose development in Wukari, Taraba State.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Umaru Emmanuel, the organisation said Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, remained committed to the development of Wukari and Taraba State.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” the statement said. “Danji SS is a bona fide son of Wukari and a committed advocate of the development of Wukari, Taraba State and its people.”
The campaign said Shiddi’s intervention centred on ensuring that public funds were directed towards projects offering the most urgent and long-term economic benefits.
It identified the Chinkai Bridge and Ibi Bridge as strategic infrastructure projects that could open up economic corridors, improve the movement of goods, attract industries and create jobs in Wukari and other parts of southern Taraba.
The organisation also pointed to challenges including inadequate access to potable water, healthcare facilities and deteriorating township roads.
It said calling for greater attention to such needs before committing substantial public resources to the flyover project should not be interpreted as opposition to Wukari’s development.
“Nobody is saying that Wukari should not have a flyover,” the statement said. “The question is whether, at this particular time, the flyover represents the most urgent and economically beneficial use of such a substantial public investment.”
The campaign said its use of the term “misplaced priority” was intended to draw attention to the need for careful sequencing in the deployment of limited public resources.
It urged the JYCDA and other stakeholders to reconsider Shiddi’s position based on the substance of his argument rather than political or emotional considerations.
The organisation also called on youth and community groups to remain independent and inclusive, while urging government supporters in Wukari to view the intervention as constructive criticism.
“Wukari deserves development, but Wukari also deserves the right development, in the right order and at the right time,” the statement said.
Shiddi, who represented his constituency in the National Assembly for eight years, is seeking to contest the 2027 Taraba governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).