No President has made an impact on Southern Kaduna like Tinubu – Senator Katung

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung of Kaduna South has discussed his recent switch from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an interview with reporters over the weekend, Katung praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements in education and infrastructure within his constituency over the past two years, claiming that no other Nigerian leader has come close to making such an impact.

Regarding his move from the PDP, he stated, “My choice was driven solely by my appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Honestly, even if I had remained in the PDP, my support for him would have continued. No prior or current president has provided as much for my people.”

He highlighted the creation of a federal university, a federal medical center, and a related college of medicine as significant advancements for the region accomplished under Tinubu’s leadership.

“These projects became a reality in just about 18 months. We have ample reason to support him. It would have felt contradictory to stay in the PDP and endorse him. I hold my principles dear and won’t compromise on them,” he explained.

Katung mentioned that conversations with his constituents affirmed his decision to support the President.

“I asked my people whether we should back someone else just for party loyalty after everything he has done. These projects will endure long after we’re gone. The President has earned our trust, and I am now one of his strongest supporters for re-election.”

He portrayed President Tinubu as “a keen political strategist who understands the people’s needs” and “a leader responsive to calls for assistance.”

Katung expressed concern over years of neglect in infrastructure within Kauru and Sanga Local Government Areas.

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“Some of these areas are among the most underserved in Nigeria. Many lack accessible roads, making a 15-minute trip turn into a four-hour ordeal. Some villages have experienced no visits from government officials due to the challenging terrain.”

He recounted a tragic incident that underscored the necessity for development: “Last year, I visited a community where students drowned while trying to cross a river. When I traversed that same river, I was profoundly affected. These are fellow human beings. This is why addressing roads, healthcare, and electricity tops my priorities.”

Katung stressed the importance of involving local communities in development planning, warning that efforts imposed from above often lead to project failures and heightened insecurity.

He also suggested that politics should not be viewed as a lifelong career.

“People should have genuine professions and contribute productively before entering politics,” he asserted.

The senator outlined that his discussions prior to joining the APC included demands primarily focusing on infrastructure improvements in Kauru and Sanga, where many areas remain isolated.

“In Kauru today, roads are washed away and communities are cut off from one another. They aren’t asking for much—just roads to transport their crops and electricity to enhance their daily lives.”

He described the challenging conditions, stating, “Recently, I had my Special Adviser on Projects visit a specific community, and he had to go by canoe to reach it.