Taraba Governor Kefas Calls for Patience, Pledges Reforms in Education, Civil Service, and Security

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has appealed to citizens to exercise patience and cooperation, assuring them that his administration is committed to tackling pressing challenges inherited from previous governments.

                                   

Speaking to reporters in Jalingo on Sunday, Kefas described the situation he met on assumption of office as “far from conducive,” noting that his government started with little to no support.

The governor highlighted critical issues confronting the state, including:

• High numbers of out-of-school children

• A weakened and unstructured civil service system

• Widespread insecurity due to Taraba’s vast landmass and borders with six Nigerian states plus Cameroon

Despite these setbacks, Kefas stressed that his focus remains on solutions, not political fights.

“I have no choice than to do it to the end. After that, the people can decide what they want,” he said.

Kefas identified education as a top priority of his administration. His efforts so far include:

• Launching a free education policy across the state

• Beginning with 60 pilot schools under a bold project to ensure every child has access to learning

• Pledging that completed schools will serve as lasting symbols of progress

He also lamented the absence of reliable data in the education sector, which his administration is working to fix.

The governor described civil service reform as long overdue, denouncing past practices where workers were denied their wages.

• “Why should somebody work and not be paid?” Kefas asked, pledging to defend workers’ rights.

• He reaffirmed his determination to reform the civil service, insisting that efficiency and fairness are essential for governance.

On security, Kefas acknowledged Taraba’s complex terrain and vast borders, which make policing and surveillance difficult. He promised that his government would continue to prioritize security while working with relevant agencies to stabilize the state.

Kefas also addressed infrastructure development, emphasizing:

• A commitment to transparency and accountability

• Avoiding projects that cannot be completed due to scarce resources

• Completing inherited projects where possible

“I don’t want to start a project I can’t complete and have people saying I ran with the money,” he said.

Kefas dismissed much of the criticism of his administration as politically motivated or sponsored by vested interests, including illegal miners.

• “You can’t build Rome in one day,” he noted.

• He stressed that many uncompleted projects were inherited, but his government is already tidying up some of them.

Appealing to both journalists and the general public, Kefas urged fair reporting and constructive engagement.

“I am not a magician and I know I am not perfect. But with my background, I know I can give the best. Let’s be fair to each other and be partners in progress.”