Many citizens of Taraba State are expressing growing discontent with the current state of governance, drawing sharp contrasts between past civilian administrations and the recent leadership of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku and his successor, Dr. Agbu Kefas. Nostalgia for the developmental strides of former Governors Reverend Jolly Tavoro Nyame and Pharmacist Danbaba Danfulani Suntai is increasingly palpable among the populace, who describe the current and immediate past administrations as a descent “from bush to forest.”
While Governor Darius Ishaku is remembered for initiating and completing the controversial flyover at Roadblock Junction in Jalingo, widely regarded as overpriced—and for the now-dormant greenhouse project viewed by many as a financial misadventure, criticism toward Dr. Agbu Kefas appears even more pointed. Residents accuse the incumbent governor of failing to initiate any major projects, instead focusing on “soft touches” and the re-commissioning of old projects initially executed by former military and civilian governors. Adding to public frustration is Kefas’s alleged penchant for renaming these legacy projects in honor of his political patron, retired General T.Y. Danjuma.
In conversations with our correspondent in Jalingo, several citizens expressed disillusionment with Governor Kefas’s much-publicized Free Education Policy. Although he covered WAEC and NECO examination fees and slashed tertiary institution fees by half, they argue that the initiative is faltering due to a lack of basic infrastructure and logistical support.
“Governor Kefas has yet to fulfill his promise of constructing 60 new schools or providing uniforms, school bags, and sandals to primary and secondary school students,” a concerned resident noted.
Public outrage further intensified with revelations about a controversial N24 billion contract awarded to Omas Company for the supply of educational materials. The contractor, who reportedly received a N10 billion mobilization fee, has withheld the consignment in Jalingo, citing underpayment. According to Bisalla Hikima, a local observer, the standoff may stem from a dispute over an alleged “sharing formula.”
Another citizen, Abdul Isa, raised alarm over the state’s escalating debt profile, which he claims has surpassed ₦750 billion within just two years of Dr. Kefas’s tenure, the highest in Taraba’s history, with little to show in terms of infrastructure or social development.
“We are deeply worried,” he said. “This borrowing spree will burden not just us, but our children and generations yet unborn. Salaries are delayed, pensions are not paid regularly, and the governor has stopped releasing funds for gratuity payments. Local government workers and primary school teachers are worst hit, many haven’t received their April salaries as of May 25, 2025.”
The general sentiment suggests that Taraba is in administrative disarray. The collapsed Numan-Nguroje bridge, a major federal route, remains unrepaired nearly a year after its failure. Governor Kefas had pledged ₦19 billion for its reconstruction, an amount many view as inflated—but no action has been taken by either state or federal authorities.
“We are tired of false promises,” said Zagabon Ifraimu, another frustrated citizen. “Even the over 1,000 advisers and special assistants appointed by the governor haven’t received salaries for nearly a year. The government claims their appointments have not been formalized. If Governor Kefas cannot meet the demands of leadership, he should step aside for someone more competent by the end of his first term. Enough is enough.”
With increasing public dissatisfaction, many Tarabans are calling for accountability, transparency, and genuine developmental efforts—lest the state slip further from progress into administrative paralysis.
