By Terna Chikpa
The Taraba State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi (Danji SS), has pledged to prioritise problem-solving projects if elected governor in the 2027 election.
Shiddi, a former National Assembly member, also disclosed his administration’s plans to boost security through intelligence surveillance, transform the agricultural sector to improve farmers’ welfare, and introduce skills training and job-creation opportunities for women and youths to tackle dependency among citizens.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Danji SS Campaign Council on Saturday in Jalingo, the APGA candidate said every project undertaken by his administration would have to answer three basic questions to avoid misplaced priorities.
“My administration will prioritise problem-solving projects to move Taraba out of the poverty index,” he stated.
Shiddi also pledged to transform the state’s education sector by rehabilitating schools, providing basic learning facilities and essential teaching materials, while strengthening teacher development and accountability.
“Each project during my administration must answer the following basic questions: What problem does it solve? How many people will benefit, and how much will it cost the people of Taraba?
“We will not embark on projects that do not have economic value for the people. My aspiration is not merely for political gains but to rescue Taraba from its current state of collapse. Our desire is to build a government that works, moving from promises to measurable action.
“My administration will be guided by five principles: integrity, accountability, competence, inclusion and action. We will identify the problems that matter most, establish priorities, mobilise resources and measure results.
“We will ensure access to clean and safe water by pursuing a comprehensive Taraba Water Programme, including the development and rehabilitation of water schemes in major towns and the expansion of reliable water sources to communities across the state,” he added.
The governorship candidate also promised to provide infrastructure based on the needs and economic interests of citizens.
“Roads, bridges, water systems, healthcare facilities, schools, electricity and other public infrastructure must be selected through transparent priorities rather than simple political visibility.
“We will strengthen primary healthcare while pursuing strategic investments in secondary and specialist medical services. Our desire is to reduce the distance between citizens and quality healthcare, and to ensure that healthcare infrastructure reflects the needs of our communities.
“While ensuring good governance, we will promote transparency in public expenditure, strengthen institutional accountability and insist that government programmes produce measurable results.
“Above all, we will ensure that every Taraban unites and recognises others as one family, irrespective of tribe or religious background,” Danji assured.
Shiddi urged members of the campaign council to avoid comments or actions that could create tension or violence while campaigning across the state.
Earlier, the Director-General of the campaign, Prof. Ambrose Zema, and the APGA National Vice-Chairman, North-East, Aminu Hammajode Foro, urged Tarabans to support Shiddi’s movement to “liberate Taraba” from its current situation.
Meanwhile, the state party chairman, Alhaji Tanko Boka, assured that the long-collapsed Nemnai Bridge would be reconstructed, along with other deteriorating infrastructure, within 100 days of Hon. Shiddi’s administration.