Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Southern Kaduna Youth For Progress and Development (SKYPAD) has vowed to give block votes to the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Honourable Ashiru Kudan and Honourable Sunday Marshal Katung ticket.
They expressed this at a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council Secretariat on Friday.
Reading the text of the briefing, President of SKYPAD, Comrade Danjuma Bello Sarki, said that they are 100 per cent behind the Ashiru/Katung ticket.
“It is in view of these sterling leadership qualities, coupled with his background as a lawyer and his experience in the financial sector that we are compelled at this point to declare our total support for both his nomination as running mate and the Ashiru/Katung ticket,” the group said.
The group congratulated Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru on his emergence as the gubernatorial flag bearer of PDP for the 2019 general elections in the just concluded primary elections in Kaduna State, and applauded the nomination Hon. Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung, as his running mate.
“We equally congratulate the running mate on his nomination,” they said.
They further explained that the choice of Hon. Katung as running mate is, without a doubt, a right step in the right direction, considering his popularity, pedigree and vast experience in administration and politics.
“Having spent many years in the Nigerian financial sector and later in public service where he served as commissioner under the brief but hugely successful regimes of our hero, late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and that of Dr Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, and as a legislator presently representing Zangon Kataf and Jaba Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber with excellent record of sterling performance and quality service delivery, Hon. Katung is by every stretch of the imagination the right man for the job.
“You would recall that during his tenure as commissioner for finance and water resources respectively, he initiated certain reforms in the ministries and took measured steps that brought about increase in IGR, prudence in management of state resources as well as provision of portable water to various rural communities, among other laudable efforts.
“With his experience as a member of the Kaduna State Executive Council for years therefore, he’ll assist their ticket to hit the ground running in the Executive branch of government in the state,” SKYPAD said.
They described Hon. Katung as a team player, who is youth friendly and a grassroots politician.
“He is indeed a detribalised Nigerian, an embodiment of humility, a visionary, focused, charismatic and purposeful leader whose choice is an indication of the kind of quality leadership to expect when, by the grace of God, the government of Hon. Ashiru assumes office come May 29, 2019. His choice will definitely add strength and value to the ticket,” they added.
The group noted that the ASHIRU/KATUNG ticket is coming to the state at the right time.
“Coming at a time when our dear state is in dire need of unity, stability and purposeful leadership, an ASHIRU/KATUNG ticket ushers in a new dawn and brings hope to the electorate.
“We throw our weight behind this nomination and pledge to offer our support for the ticket to ensure victory for the party come 2019. Once again congratulations.
“We call on the electorates in Kaduna State to equally support the PDP gubernatorial ticket, as it is the only ticket that would ensure the restoration of the lost glory of our dear state and bring about the desired dividends of democracy to our people.
“We wish to express our gratitude to members of the fourth estate of the realm for your unflinching support to our Party, the PDP, and our governorship candidate. This we shall not take for granted.
“As we conclude, we wish to once again thank you ladies and gentlemen for your presence here,” they stated.
Explaining off the text of the statement, Secretary of SKYPAD, Tanko Rossi Sabo said that they are sure of delivering block votes in 11 local government areas, which include the eight from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, two from Kaduna Central, Chikun and Kajuru and one from Kaduna North Zone, Mere LGA.
