By Isreal Adamu, Jos
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon Yusuf Babayo Gagdi, on Monday empowered thousands of Youths, Women, and elders in his Constituency in celebrating of the Christmas celebration .
The lawmaker, who represents Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, distributed 5 000 bags of rice to Christian leaders and communities across his Constituency.
Speaking at the occasion in Dengi, he said Christmas season is the season for love and sharing, particularly with the less privileged.
He said this does not include the cash donations we have sent to individuals and some other groups.
In his words “We have bought 5,000 bags of rice which would be distributed, It beats my imagination when I see people in the social media saying it’s a lie, claiming it’s 10 kg or zero kg. I’m not sure if any of you have seen 10 kg bags of rice in my residence here in Dengi.”
” The rice displayed at my premises is not for show, but again, I am not worried about what people say. I am determined to add value to the lives of the people who elected me. “
He added that ” We have provided 5000 bags of rice, and we have clearly stated how these bags are to be distributed. “
“We have stakeholders, Christian leaders who are not from Pankshin constituency but are domiciled in Jos, like the Presidents of all Christian groups, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and leaders of Orthodox churches at the state level. We have allocated 489 bags to them, including some stakeholders who are close to us and to whom I have decided to extend this goodwill. “
He added that ” For Pankshin Local Government, 1,286 bags have been allocated. These bags are displayed in the premises of my house and consist mainly of 50 kg bags, with only a few 25 kg ones.”
Similarly, 1,086 bags have been allocated to Kanke Local Government. Pankshin received more because it is predominantly Christian, and their allocation should be larger. For Kanam Local Government, we allocated 604 bags and an additional 800 bags will be shared with support groups and personal friends. “
Rep Gagdi also added that Additionally, 51 cows will be distributed, A sum of about 6 million naira has been approved for the committee to ensure these cows are delivered to the beneficiaries’ doorsteps across Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam. “
According to him ” Now, let me address some misconceptions. Some people say I am turning the headquarters of PKK to Kanam, But if I wanted to do that, my constituency office would have been built in Kanam, not in Pankshin, which is the headquarters of the local government. My political meetings involving the three local governments would have been held in Kanam. However, that has not been the case. “
He added that ” The rice is kept in my house in Dengi for safety, control, and monitoring purposes. Here, we have adequate security,about five policemen and additional security personnel. “There is also a hall spacious enough to store the 5,000 bags of rice. If I took these bags to Pankshin and left them with just one security officer, it would be unsafe. What is the problem if I keep the rice in Dengi for distribution? The transportation to other locations is already provided. “
Rep Gagdi added that ” We are not in a competition with anyone ,. My focus is to challenge others to do better than me for the benefit of the people. If someone provides 6,000 bags of rice ,i will celebrate and congratulate them publicly. “
” Now, regarding the peaceful distribution process here, why has it been so disciplined? It is because of proper organization.”
“My personal security team collaborated with local security forces and spoke to the people. Kanam may be predominantly Muslim, but during Salah distributions, no Christian disrupted the process. In turn, we requested that the Christians be allowed to collect their share peacefully, and the people complied. “
He added that the youths have also been instrumental in maintaining order. Instead of taking over the items for themselves, they have been helping to load goods for distribution to the various local governments. This is a testament to the closeness and trust we have built with the people over time. “
” For politicians, this is a lesson: if you have not been close to your people, and if you bring out 5,000 bags of rice during a time of widespread hunger, the crowd would likely storm your gates and take the items by force. But because the people are appreciative of our efforts, they have remained peaceful. “
” To my constituency and Nigerians at large, I appeal for patience and prayers,. Let us support and pray for our leaders, both at the national and local levels. “
“Casting aspersions or criticisms will not solve our problems; rather, prayers will help our leaders find wisdom to tackle our challenges.”
“By the Grace of God, I have a covenant with the local community. I have a covenant with God and humanity that my life is dedicated to serving my people and anybody who comes my way, and I have been doing that since I joined Politics, I won’t stop putting smiles on the faces of my constituents, it is in my blood to better the lives of my people both Christians and Muslims in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency,” he said.
” let us remain hopeful and united, I believe that through prayers, wisdom, and collective effort, we can overcome Nigeria’s challenges,” he added.
