OPINION:
By Adeyemi Abraham
Kaduna .
In a stirring and deeply evocative political address that is already resonating across Kaduna and beyond, Brigadier General Simon Katunko (Rtd), leading aspirant for the Zango Jaba Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections, has thrown his weight behind the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. The retired General did not mince words as he carved out a compelling argument rooted in patriotism, seasoned insight, and pragmatic leadership—qualities Nigeria is in desperate need of.
From the onset, General Katunko painted a vivid picture of the complexities and national fatigue Nigeria inherited from past administrations—years marked by policy inconsistencies, insecurity, and deep structural divides. Yet, in the face of such adversity, he asserts, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came prepared. He is ready for the job.” This declaration wasn’t rhetorical; it was laden with conviction. The General lauded Mr. President’s depth of wisdom, noting that Nigeria is fortunate to have a leader who understands the mechanics of statecraft and has shown, even amid challenges, an unrelenting commitment to steering the country toward redemption.
“It is a good thing to have a leader whose capacity is endowed with plenty wisdom,” he said, his voice echoing with military precision and the gravitas of national service. “Mr. President is giving his best, and it’s time Nigerians give him the runway to soar.”
The Brigadier General’s political ambition isn’t accidental or opportunistic—it is a deliberate march towards impact. He made it clear: his aspiration to represent Zango Kataf and Jaba at the Federal House of Representatives is born from a strategic need to amplify the voice of his people. His argument is as bold as it is logical: considering the ever-growing population of the Zango Kataf and Jaba axis, there is a pressing need for the area to be restructured into two or three federal constituencies. The demand is not merely for political representation, but for equity, autonomy, and enhanced development.
“As a trained defence expert,” Katunko continued, “I am deeply troubled by the land-grabbing schemes that have been at the heart of farmer-herder conflicts. For too long, those in power have refused to prioritize it. I will. I must.” His promise is not only to legislate against the creeping menace but to ensure security becomes the bedrock upon which agriculture, trade, and peaceful coexistence thrive in Southern Kaduna.
But General Katunko didn’t speak only as a soldier or a politician—he spoke as a bridge-builder. He passionately called for unity, urging communities to look beyond historical wounds and divisions and embrace a shared destiny anchored in harmony, development, and opportunity. He paid glowing tribute to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, describing his tenure as transformative, anchored on inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and institutional collaboration.
“The partnership between Governor Uba Sani and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Gwabin, must continue. That is why I am deliberately offering my service—to support the great strides already in motion,” he stated with clarity and purpose.
His visit to the Kaduna State Government House did not go unnoticed. Reverend Emmanuel Adebayo, SSA on Residents Matters to Governor Uba Sani, praised the visit as symbolic and strategic. He underscored the importance of strong alliances in governance, and promised to keep the Governor informed of the momentum General Katunko is building in the grassroots.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Victor Mathew Bobai, SSA Public Affairs to the Governor, described the General’s visit as a harbinger of great things to come. He said, “The presence of such a towering personality shows that the movers and shakers of Zone 3 are ready to rally around a common cause. We must now begin the conversation for His Excellency’s second-term re-election bid in 2027.”
In closing, Brigadier General Katunko’s message was unmistakable: Nigeria is at a defining moment. The foundation laid by President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani must be solidified, not disrupted. Leadership is not about noise—it’s about resolve, character, and the capacity to deliver under pressure. The General has these in abundance.
To the people of Zango Kataf and Jaba, his message was both a plea and a promise: “Give me the mandate, and I will give you a voice. Support me, and I will defend your rights—not just with legislation, but with my life’s legacy of service.”
In an era where many politicians chase positions for relevance, Brigadier General Simon Katunko is chasing purpose. And in 2027, that purpose may very well become the engine of progress for Southern Kaduna—and a model for the nation.
