Dawn Of A New Era: Within One Week, Taraba Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas Has Touched All His Campaign Promises
By Oluwatosin Alex
For several years, we have been made to believe as Nigerians that Governance is one of the most complex things in life. We have been made to see governance as the most difficult thing and political positions as a place where it takes years to make a significant achievement but it seems all of that was just fugazi.
In Nigeria especially, it’s a norm for politicians to make campaign promises and end up not fulfilling any of them. They blame their predecessors and the economic situation from the beginning of their administration till the end of it. When they finally leave, they go with the bulk of their campaign promises unfulfilled and still get away with it. However, the governor of Taraba state, Dr. Agbu Kefas has chosen a different path.
In previous articles, I predicted that Dr. Agbu Kefas will change the trajectory of governance in Nigeria through some of his plans I was privy to. As predicted, within his first week of governing Taraba state, he has touched and made an impact on all his campaign promises to the good people of the state.
During his campaign, Dr. Agbu Kefas had just five manifestoes which were Education, economy and job creation, security, peace and unity, women and youth empowerment, and healthcare. Unlike the everyday politician, it’s obvious Dr. Agbu Kefas didn’t just come up with these points as his campaign mantra, they were well thought-through and worked out.
Let’s take this manifesto one after the others;
On Education, yesterday Friday, 2nd Of June, 2023, Dr. Agbu Kefas declared a state of emergency on Primary and secondary schools in Taraba state. This is the first step to acknowledging that indeed, Education is at its worst in the state and starting a reform in the sector. Dr. Agbu Kefas plans to ensure education is accessible to everyone and as a very learned individual, wants indigenes of Taraba state to have topnotch academic treatment. This is indeed the way to go for the necessary reforms in the education sector.
On economy and Job creation, Dr. Agbu Kefas on Thursday, 1st Of June, 2023 declared that commuters will be allowed to work until midnight in the state to boost the night economy of Taraba state. No doubt, this is a development that came after studying other countries and well-to-do states, most of them rely on the night business to further boost the economy and increase the internally generated revenue of the state. Of course, opening up the night economy for business is a huge move for Taraba state and will affect the economy positively. Speaking of Job Creation, there is no point in creating more jobs when those who are currently working are being owed salaries, and with this understanding, Dr. Agbu Kefas has directed all outstanding salaries to be paid latest by Monday, 5th Of June, 2023. Other benefits in the coffers will in turn lead to massive job creation in Taraba state.
On security, peace, and unity, Dr. Agbu Kefas has met with different security agencies and has concluded plans to engage them to restore peace to Taraba state. Insecurity is the major menace in Taraba state and the governor, being a security expert, has devised means to tackle it. In no time, the people of Taraba state will testify.
Speaking of women and youth empowerment, Dr. Agbu Kefas has engaged 300 women and youth in cleaning the streets of Jalingo. They will be paid N20,000 monthly and that’s just for a start and to show that he is indeed committed to the service of the good people of Taraba state. This initiative is another means of job creation for the women and youths engaged. It’s never happened in the history of Taraba state but with Dr. Agbu Kefas, the never-seen-before has become a reality.
Dr. Agbu Kefas is no doubt a different breed of a politician on account of all he has been able to achieve within his first week in office. His predecessors spent many years without achieving tangible results but in one week, he has given the people of Taraba a sign that he is ready to work for them and will do everything possible to ensure he delivers as promised.
With Dr. Agbu Kefas, Taraba State got it right this time!
Oluwatosin Alex is a journalist and public affairs analyst
