By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
A Taraba-based pressure group, Taraba Concerned Citizens (TCC), has called for explanations from the state’s Commissioner for Information and Re-Orientation, Barrister Zeinab Jalingo, over allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of performance levied against Governor Agbu Kefas.
The controversy stems from media reports alleging that Governor Kefas obtained ₦250 billion in bank loans within the first two years of his administration but failed to execute any significant projects.
The reports further claim that Taraba State is now bankrupt, leading to a halt in major projects for the past four months.
Additional allegations include the diversion of funds meant for food security, fertiliser procurement, and local government interventions.
In response, TCC criticized the commissioner for not addressing the core issues in her defence.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo, TCC Chairman Comrade Emos Tijani accused her of failing to provide clear details about the funds’ whereabouts or evidence of completed projects.
“It is unfortunate that when the media reports are addressing financial recklessness, the commissioner is busy making vague statements without any substantial proof,” Tijani said.
Reacting to the allegations, Commissioner Zeinab Jalingo dismissed the reports as misleading and defamatory.
She insisted that Governor Kefas’ administration remains committed to development and transparency.
“The claim that Taraba State is bankrupt is false and baseless. Since assuming office, Governor Kefas has significantly improved the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), increasing it from ₦700 million to over ₦2 billion by December 2024,” she said.
The commissioner also refuted claims that ₦100 billion was diverted to a retired general, calling the allegation “an outright falsehood.”
She explained that the government is repaying inherited loans while pushing forward with infrastructure projects.
Regarding local government intervention funds, she stated that financial allocations have been made, and developmental projects are ongoing at the council level.
She also denied allegations of fund mismanagement in food security programs, claiming that over 3,000 metric tons of grains had already been purchased, with plans for 10,000 metric tons before the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Jalingo urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and avoid spreading what she described as “blackmail and baseless allegations.”
“Governor Kefas remains committed to fulfilling his campaign promises and ensuring Taraba’s progress. Despite these unfounded accusations, we will continue prioritizing transparency, accountability, and development,” she concluded.
The allegations continue to stir debate in Taraba, with citizens and stakeholders watching closely for further developments.