The Southern Kaduna Youth Stakeholders Forum has issued a stern warning to politicians against claiming sole credit for the establishment of federal institutions in the region, specifically the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK) and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kafanchan.

During a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday, the forum's Director of Research and Documentation, Engr Seth Habila Bakut, emphasized that the primary objective of their statement was to counter deliberate misinformation surrounding these institutions and to cleanse political discourse of harmful influences.

"These institutions were initiated through the benevolence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the benefit of our region. Any effort by an individual to claim unilateral credit for these institutions is an attempt to undermine the presidency and deny our region further opportunities for advancement," Bakut stated.

The forum provided a detailed timeline of the legislative process that led to the establishment of the FMC Kafanchan. According to Bakut, following the bill's presentation to the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, it underwent a public hearing on March 27-28, 2024, attended by prominent regional leaders including Elder Ishaya Dare Akau, Engr Andrew Yakubu, traditional rulers, and community development association representatives.

After the successful public hearing, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, chaired by Representative Amos Gwamna Magaji, who completed his report and presented it to the House on October 10, 2024. The report received approval, and with no corresponding bill in the Senate, the upper chamber promptly concurred.

Bakut further revealed that Representative Amos Gwamna facilitated a budgetary appropriation exceeding N1.7 billion for the facility's take-off. However, tensions arose when Senator Sunday Marshall Katung allegedly convened a media parley to discredit Gwamna's efforts after the latter shared his accomplishments with Southern Kaduna journalists.

"Senator Katung exhibited jealousy by convening a media parley, not to present his own stewardship report, but to discredit the efforts of Amos Gwamna, perceiving him as a rival despite their differing political affiliations," the forum claimed.

The youth stakeholders' intervention highlights growing concerns about political appropriation of development projects in Southern Kaduna, as they call for unity and honest representation in the region's interests.