As the administration of Governor Dr. Kefas Agbu marks its second anniversary, the people of Taraba State are confronted with a sobering question: Where is the leadership steering the ship of state heading? After nearly a decade of governance marred by mismanagement and apathy, citizens once again find themselves at a crossroads—caught between fleeting hope and growing disillusionment.
The wounds of the past linger. The Darius Ishaku era, spanning eight tumultuous years, left Taraba reeling in dysfunction. Governance virtually halted, poverty became systemic, and insecurity festered. It was against this bleak backdrop that Dr. Kefas Agbu emerged, heralded by many as a fresh breath of leadership and hope.
Dubbed the “Star Boy of Taraba,” Governor Agbu earned early accolades by swiftly initiating people-oriented policies—clearing outstanding pensions, restoring running costs, slashing tuition fees, and introducing free basic education. For a moment, the winds of change seemed real. But the euphoria didn’t last.
Rather than consolidate on his early momentum, the governor became entangled in a power tussle over traditional leadership in Takum. This diversion was followed by frequent foreign travels, leaving the day-to-day affairs of the state in limbo. The administration’s machinery began to stutter—intervention funds stopped flowing, running costs dried up, and public confidence started to erode.
What began as a promise of reform quickly degenerated into what many now describe as executive aloofness. The reported N10 billion spent on travel expenses amid worsening poverty sparked public outrage. “This isn’t the change we hoped for,” lamented one civil society leader.
A cloud of opacity now hangs over the government’s financial dealings. Allegations abound that over N50 billion was withdrawn from local government accounts—yet little physical development is visible. The contract award process remains shrouded in secrecy, prompting questions about why Taraba indigenes are sidelined.
Businessman Mr. Festus Obadiah minced no words: “This government is hurting local enterprise. We see no roads, no business support, just noise and photo ops.”
Meanwhile, appointments have ballooned, with over 1,000 political aides recruited—many without defined roles or responsibilities. Critics have branded the move as “political rascality” and “administrative lawlessness,” accusing the governor of expanding bureaucracy for personal political gain.
A deeper malaise festers within the civil service. The recent appointment of Mr. Sanda K. Jibrin as Bursar of Taraba State Polytechnic has drawn public ire, as he allegedly lacks the qualifications stipulated in the institution’s scheme of service. Many suspect the hand of nepotism, pointing fingers at former Head of Service, Mr. Paul Maigida Tino.
The situation isn’t isolated. In the College of Nursing, Jalingo, the former Provost’s term was controversially extended beyond the legal limit, blocking the Deputy Provost—who had deputized for eight years—from ascending. The lack of meritocracy is seen by many as a cancer eating away at institutional credibility.
Health workers, especially those engaged in 2016, face another dimension of injustice. Their contracts have expired without renewal, wages are irregular, and many face verbal termination without compensation. The silence from the government has been deafening.
Good Initiatives, Poor Follow-through
To be fair, the administration has made commendable efforts in some areas—like the mobile hospital project and the push for better educational access. But the question remains: are these efforts sustainable? Are they enough?
Without genuine accountability and inclusive development, these wins may soon become footnotes in an otherwise disappointing tale.
Recommendations to Salvage the Situation
If Governor Agbu seeks to rescue his administration from sliding into infamy, the following steps are crucial:
1. Reconnect with the Electorate: Restore public trust by engaging directly with citizens, not just political appointees.
2. Inspire Productivity: Streamline governance and focus on policies that promote local economic growth.
3. Ensure Counterpart Funding: Unlock development partnerships by fulfilling obligations to bodies like UBEC and SDG.
4. Protect Civil Servants’ Rights: Uphold rules of service and treat all workers fairly and lawfully.
5. End Arbitrary Extensions: Discontinue tenure elongations and political favoritism that undermine merit.
The Road Ahead
Taraba is at a pivotal moment. The dreams of its people cannot afford to be mortgaged for political expediency or personal ambition. The warning signs are clear: mounting discontent, eroding trust, and a faltering administrative structure.
Whether Governor Kefas Agbu will course-correct or continue down this perilous path remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—history is watching.
PIONEER NEWS 