District heads of Kachia local government area of Kaduna State and the Kachia Community Development Association (KCDA) have urged Governor Uba Sani to disregard allegations of bias raised against the commissioner of Agriculture and rural development in the state, Alhaji Murtala Dabo.
The traditional rulers and the community, in separate letters to the governor, said the allegations against the commissioner are the handiwork of enemies of progress.
The commissioner is being accused of bias and favouritism in the recent distribution of assorted farm inputs by the Kaduna State Government in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The district heads, who co-wrote the letter to the governor, are Alhaji (Dr) Sabiu I. Suleiman (District Head of Kachia); Mr Jacob Dogo (District Head of Sabon SARKI); Mr Joshua Takar (District Head of Gidan Tawai); and Mr. Moses Agwai (District Head of Bishini).
The letter by the KCDA was signed by Alhaji Bala Shittu and Alhaji Aminu Inuwa, chairman and secretary.
KCDA, in its letter, said the recent accusations of favoritism and political victimisation against the commissioner are nothing short of a malign campaign orchestrated by frustrated individuals and groups across the state who were used to shortchanging the targeted beneficiaries of such interventions.
"It is disappointing, the unfortunate politicisation of crucial matters such as the distribution of farm inputs, which are meant to uplift the agricultural sector for sustainable development.
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"The assertions made in the open letter of bias in this process is baseless; the distribution of farm inputs was conducted with utmost transparency and adherence to established guidelines, which eliminates ghosts and ensure deserving beneficiaries get it.These are evidence based and can be verified".
The association also averred that the notion that Dabo's actions are driven by political rivalry is both weak-minded and insulting, adding that as a responsible public servant, his (Dabo) allegiance lies with the people he serves under the able leadership of the Governor of Kaduna State.
"It is obvious that the writer and his cohorts are bereft of ideas on how to assassinate the character of the commissioner because what happened during the 2022 primary elections and the subsequent general elections of 2023 were known to all.
"To state that the Hon Commissioner worked against the candidature of His Excellency is just laughable, as the outcome of the election certainly repudiated their false claims.
"We therefore, urged His Excellency and the general public to disregard these baseless, divisive and malicious insinuations. It is disappointing to see such divisive rhetorics being employed, especially at a time when unity and collaboration are needed more than ever. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to engage in constructive dialogue and work together for the betterment of our community and our State.
"We as advocates of justice and fairness, would welcome dispassionate inquiry or investigation into the matter. We are confident that a thorough examination will vindicate the Commissioner and reaffirm the integrity of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani's administration anchored towards promoting socio-economic development of the State."
