Opinion
Kefas And the Science of Restarting Taraba
Emmanuel Bello
“I’m starting afresh”, said the latest sensation in Taraba state, Governor Agbu Kefas. He was responding to questions on the spate of policy pronouncements he has been making lately. Since he took over, the retired soldier turned politician has continued to drop surprising changes like a man in a hurry. He’s an iconoclast too. The decisions appear abit drastic with some wondering if Kefas has finally jettisoned the old template. He’s a non conformist, an artist keeping his audience in suspense. And yet, a closer look shows a keen mind at work, a focused effort to redeem a rather bleak situation.
Take the education sector for instance. Kefas met schools that were more or less centers of decay and despondency. Facilities were at their most deplorable conditions with the staff practically on its knees. He had to do something fast and novel: he slammed a state of emergency on the sector. The governor did not stop there. He did something revolutionary: he declared free and compulsory education. This was something he mentioned in passing during the campaigns seen by many as mere campaign rhetoric. But, in what has now become the watershed of his administration, the free education policy is now set to be operationalised from September.
And while some Universities are increasing tuition fees, Kefas adroitly slashed that of the Taraba State University by half – a move that’s left everyone in near disbelief. But the students and parents are astounded especially in a clime frustrated by the fuel subsidy removal agony.
Security is Governor Kefas- a retired intelligence officer- main area of strength. So, immediately he came in, he revived the Taraba Marshall and reignited the cooperation of the civil force in the protection of communities. It’s working. Ancient fears are beginning to give way to a renewed sense of safety.
A populist, Kefas has endeared himself to everyone. The appeal is bipartisan as he has decided to bury old rivalries and reinvigorate new alliances. And the applause keeps coming as the fresh face knows how to wave at the crowd from the convoy; appears in schools, offices unannounced; meets with prospective investors; takes quick but sound decisions and, in one case, jumped high over a wide puddle in his path- a jump symbolic of the leap of faith he’s taken so far.
The results are starting to show: renewed belief from the public in government’s sincerity, cleaner state capital (as he dealt a death blow on filth), confidence in leadership and the strong sentiment that Taraba is now on a new path. Kefas campaign mantra was Moving Forward. But, giving all that’s happened in the last few weeks, the mantra might as well be : Starting Afresh.
Bello is Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications.
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.