Radda says opposition silenced by achievements, predicts mass defections to Katsina APC

Dikko Umaru Radda, governor of Katsina State

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on Friday declared that his administration’s visible developmental achievements have rendered the opposition completely silent, confidently predicting that many opposition members will soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to a cheering crowd at the Batsari Local Government Secretariat as part of his ongoing statewide tour of all 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Radda asserted that the opposition’s earlier criticisms have evaporated because “the realities on the ground have defeated their narratives.”

“Before now, the opposition were telling stories, but now I see they have given up and will soon join us,” the Governor stated, attributing the silence of his critics to the tangible progress delivered across the state.

Read also: Radda commissions Katsina trade facilitation centre to boost global competitiveness

Radda highlighted specific new initiatives aimed at boosting the rural economy and educational infrastructure.

He announced the immediate establishment of a cassava flour processing factory in the local government area, identifying the community as the state’s foremost cassava-producing hub.

The Governor’s decision to establish the cassava factory followed extensive observations of farmers drying their cassava by the roadside due to the lack of proper processing facilities in the area.

Speaking on expanding educational access, Radda also revealed plans to construct five new junior and senior secondary schools across the state.

He emphasised that development is reaching the grassroots, confirming that every one of the state’s 1,393 polling units has witnessed government intervention, ensuring that “no ward in the state has been left behind.”

He affirmed that the progress recorded since 2023 explains why residents across the 28 LGAs already visited during the tour have expressed overwhelming satisfaction with his administration.

Addressing the issue of security in the Batsari axis, which has historically been troubled by banditry, Radda reassured residents that peace has significantly returned.

“You can now enter Batsari from Katsina even by 12 midnight. We thank God for that,” he said, congratulating the community on the restored stability.

The Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to full local government autonomy, stating emphatically: “We release their funds completely every month.” He noted that this autonomy has enabled local infrastructure delivery, evidenced by the commissioning of multimillion-naira roads in Batsari and Wagini, executed by the local government itself.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mannir Mu’azu, the Chairman of Batsari Local Government, praised the Governor for restoring peace in the area over the past 11 months and for giving rural communities renewed hope.

Mu’azu also announced that the Governor has approved a substantial sum of ₦2 million for each household to help families rebuild homes destroyed during past banditry incidents, a move he said has significantly strengthened community confidence.

With development initiatives being commissioned and visible political support evident throughout the tour, Governor Radda’s outreach continues to underscore his administration’s focus on security, infrastructure, and grassroots development.

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