By Benjamin Awua
A former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, on Sunday said his governorship ambition was triggered by the slow pace of development in Taraba, after 35 years of creation.
Jaji stated after screening to contest the seat in 2027 at the Kaduna State House, he lamented that Taraba state was yet to attain the level of progress expected among its peers; urged citizens to support him to win for accelerated development.
The former minister who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building (FNIOB), expressed that his ambition is driven by a commitment to rebuild and reposition Taraba State for sustainable growth and prosperity.
“The slow pace of development in Taraba State since its creation 35 years ago is the major reason why I am contesting to change the narrative; the state has yet to attain the level of progress expected among its peers.
“Rather than sit and complain about the backwardness of our state after thirty-five years of its creation, I would rather throw my hat into the ring and contest,” Jaji stated
The Taraba state governorship aspirant commended leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC for adopting direct primaries rather than consensus or indirect primaries.
“This is democracy; “He commended”, With direct primaries, you are bound to test your popularity and acceptability rather than rely on games and gimmicks associated with indirect primaries or consensus candidacy,” he said.
Responding to questions regarding his chances against a sitting governor, Jaji maintained that the state’s developmental realities speak for themselves.
“Go and check the developmental index of my dear state. Check our debt profile and human capital indicators; the records are there. I am tired of complaining. I would rather join the race to salvage my home state than sit on the fence. To liberate Taraba, I have decided to run. Above all, this is democracy,” he added.
Reflecting on the screening process, Jaji praised the professionalism and conduct of the committee members, particularly the chairman of the gubernatorial screening panel, Dr Benjamin Obi Nwoye.
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“I must candidly appreciate the humility and professionalism of the committee. The committee impressed me deeply. Their commitment to ethical standards, simplicity, and camaraderie was commendable. The National leadership of the party got it right, and I hope this same level of organisation is replicated at the state level,” he said.
NewDay reports that the outcome of the screening exercise is expected in the coming days ahead of the party primaries.
