Dewan Questions Gagdi’s Nine-Road Claim
Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, has challenged the Chairman, House Committee on Navy and All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to substantiate his claim of constructing nine roads in Pankshin Local Government Area.
Dewan threw the challenge in a statement issued on Sunday, after Gagdi featured on a live programme on Rhythm FM, Jos, where he spoke on constituency projects and other issues relating to his stewardship.
The former Speaker said the people of PKK deserve verifiable facts on projects executed with public funds, insisting that accountability should be based on evidence rather than political rhetoric.
“My only request is simple. Identify the locations of the nine roads you claimed to have constructed in Pankshin Ancient City and provide details of your constituency projects for public verification. The people have a right to know.”
He argued that attempts to shift attention from the issue would not answer the questions being raised, maintaining that public officials should always be ready to account for their stewardship.
“Shifting the discussion to the EFCC or ICPC does not answer the questions being asked. Accountability must be anchored on evidence, not intimidation.”
Dewan also dismissed allegations of irregular recruitment during his tenure as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, insisting that every appointment followed due process and remains open to verification by the appropriate authorities.
“I have nothing to hide. The records are available, and the relevant authorities can verify every recruitment carried out during my tenure.”
The former Speaker maintained that he welcomes lawful scrutiny of his activities in public office but urged Gagdi to equally provide documentary evidence to support claims of projects executed across the constituency.
He stressed that transparency and accountability remain essential principles of democratic governance and should guide every public office holder.
“The people of PKK deserve facts, not distractions. Public office holders owe the electorate transparency, honesty and accountability.”
Dewan reiterated his readiness to meet the federal lawmaker on any reputable radio or television platform for a live discussion where both parties would present documentary evidence for public scrutiny.
“I remain available for a live debate on any reputable media platform. Let us present the facts and allow the people to judge. The question still remains: Where are the nine roads you claimed to have constructed in Pankshin Ancient City?”
