Stories from VICTOR GAI, Jalingo
The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has presented the sum of N1.6 billion to the 16 local government areas of the state, raising questions about the sincerity of local government autonomy under his administration.
In a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation, Barr. Zainab Jalingo, the government explained that the allocation was intended to serve as a developmental catalyst, enabling councils to execute projects that aligned with the state government’s broader development agenda for 2026.
The statement read: “In a decisive move to deepen grassroots development and strengthen inclusive governance, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has presented ₦100 million cheques to each of the 16 Local Government Chairmen in the state, as part of preparations for the 2026 Kefas Coordinated Projects.
“The presentation underscores the Kefas administration’s commitment to people-centred development, decentralisation of governance, and empowering local councils to play a more active role in delivering democratic dividends to citizens at the community level.
“The ₦100 million allocation to each local government is intended to serve as a developmental catalyst, enabling councils to execute projects that align with the state government’s broader development agenda for 2026. The governor reiterated that accountability, transparency, and prudent use of public funds would remain non-negotiable, urging the chairmen to ensure that the resources translate into visible and measurable outcomes for residents.”
The statement also added that the coordinated projects were designed to ensure uniform development across all local government areas, while allowing chairmen the flexibility to prioritise projects that directly impact livelihoods, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic growth.
According to the commissioner, the local government chairmen, “expressed profound appreciation to Governor Kefas for what they described as an unprecedented level of trust and support for grassroots administration.
“They pledged to utilise the funds responsibly and in accordance with the objectives of the coordinated projects, assuring the governor and the people of Taraba State that the initiative would yield tangible benefits.”
Governor Kefas is one of the first governors in the country to show commitment in the implementation of last year’s Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy.
He inaugurated the advisory committee on Local Government autonomy, led by a serving lawmaker, Abel Peter Diah, which has since submitted its report.
…. Dismisses claims of frosty relationship with TY Danjuma
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has denied speculations of a strained relationship between him and elder statesman, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), describing their relationship as “sound, firm and solid.”
The governor’s remarks followed speculations suggesting a frosty relationship between the two, casting an air of uncertainty ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
During a solidarity visit by the paramount traditional ruler of the Kwararafa kingdom, the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr Ishaku Ada Ali, at the TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, Kefas commended General Danjuma for identifying and supporting him in leadership, insisting that the retired General remained fully aware of his leadership capacity and vision for the state.
“Some people go to General Danjuma to criticise me, but he knows me better than they do… As a soldier, he understands capacity, discipline and leadership. He is not disturbed by those who go to tell lies against me,” Kefas stated.
While reaffirming his political commitment, Kefas pledged to ensure that Taraba people fully benefitted from governance at both the state and federal levels, assuring that the state would deliver support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
He urged residents to register en masse with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing party membership as key to attracting federal presence and opportunities to the state.
“I thank God for the grace to lead Taraba State and for opening my mind to see Taraba beyond Wukari. Governance must be inclusive. Taraba belongs to over 80 ethnic groups, and every one of them deserves good governance.
“We must mobilise for the APC. The benefits of alignment with the centre are clear, and Taraba will continue to benefit,” he said.
The governor also spoke on security and resettlement, assuring that displaced persons across the state would return to their communities.
“All those who left their homes will return. A pilot resettlement project has already begun and will be replicated in all affected communities across Southern Taraba and the entire state.”
Earlier, the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr Ishaku Ada Ali, who led the delegation, explained that the visit was to express the people’s appreciation for the governor’s developmental efforts in Wukari and across the state.
He listed several projects executed or ongoing under the Kefas administration, including internal roads in Wukari, the flyover bridge at Takum Junction, the Forward Operating Base at Ikyaior along the Taraba/Benue border, and the Wukari-Kente-Riti road.
According to the monarch, the projects would have lasting economic and social impact on the people of Taraba State.
“The people of Wukari are grateful for these interventions,” the Aku Uka said. “They reflect good governance and a commitment to development,” he stated.