Group challenges Commissioner, demands explanation on Projects Executed With N250B Loan
Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
A pressure group from Taraba state, Taraba Concern citizens (TCC) has demands explanation from the Commissioner for information and re-Orientation, Barr. Zeinab Jalingo on allegations of diversion of public funds and non performanc levelled against Governor Kefas Agbu by a section of the media.
The group while responding to a press statement by the commissioner defending the allegations of diversion of N250 billion bank loans secured by the Governor to run the Affairs of the state said the commissioner failed in her defence to tell the people of Taraba state the whereabouts of the money or the projects executed by the Governor since his assumption of office.
The media report alleged that the governor through a request to the state house of Assembly in less than two years of his administration obtained the loans which were meant for execution of projects but the N250 billion was diverted and there was no single project to show for it.
The media reports also allegeg that Taraba State had gone bankrupt, forcing all projects initiated by the governor to remain standstill for the past four months, including diversion of billions of Naira meant for the purchase of grains for food security, purchase of fertilisers, purchase of Tractors as well as over N7 billion Naira sent to the 16 local government areas as intervention funds from the office of the Accountant General of the federation.
In a quick reaction, the TCC called on the commissioner to come out and clear the air by telling the people of the state what happens to all the billions said to have been diverted by the Governor and as well mention the specific projects that were construction by the Governor since his assumption of office one and half years ago.
Addressing journalists in Jalingo on Wednesday, the Chairman Taraba Concern Citizens Comrade Emos Tijani accused the information commissioner of not been factual with issues that has to do with the people of the state and the financial implications.
He lamented that instead of telling the people of the state the true position of things, the commissioner was busy beating around the bush and displaying her incompetency and ignorance about governance.
“It us unfortunate that when the media reports is talking about the allegations of financial recklessness against the Governor, the commissioner is busy jumping from one tree to another or dancing around like a village masquerade without giving any cogent point ” he said.
The Commissioner Ministry of Information and Re Orientation Barrister Zainab Jalingo while debunking of the group, said that
Taraba State Government Remains Committed to Development and Accountability
“The Taraba State Government has noted with concern a recent publication containing unverifiable, misleading, and defamatory claims against Governor Agbu Kefas and his administration.
“While the government upholds press freedom, it strongly believes that journalism must be rooted in professionalism, accuracy, and ethical reporting, rather than deliberate falsehoods designed to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of individuals and the government.
According to her, The administration led by Dr. Agbu Kefas has achieved a lot across various sectors as to include, security of Lives and Property, adding that Taraba State once grappled with severe security challenges, making it difficult for residents to live peacefully.
“Even within Jalingo, the state capital, bandits operated with impunity.
She disclose that Taraba is Financially Stable, Not Bankrupt as speculated in some medias.
“The claim that Taraba State is bankrupt is false and baseless. Since assuming office, Governor Kefas has transformed Jalingo into a hub of infrastructural development with many projects already completed and commissioned.
“His administration prioritizes prudent financial management, significantly improving the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N700 million when the administration took over to over N2bn as of December 2024 an increment of over 200 %.
“This is evident in the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities—something that had not been done since 2012.
“Furthermore, Taraba remains one of the few states in Nigeria where workers now earn more than double their previous salaries, following the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000.
The Commissioner dismiss the claims that no projects have been executed, the Kefas-led administration has embarked on numerous developmental projects across the state.
“Taraba is no longer what it used to be, and residents can attest to this transformation. Some of these projects include,
Completion of the TY Danjuma House in Abuja and Jalingo, enhancing the state’s national presence and boosting investor confidence, Ongoing construction of the State Secretariat and Presidential Lodge, providing a conducive working environment for civil servants and suitable accommodation for official state visitors Remodeling of the Taraba State House of Assembly, now completed and commissioned amongst others.
• Completion of the Jalingo Abattoir, strengthening the livestock industry and food safety.
• Completion of the Kefas Palliative Market, set for commissioning to ease economic hardship for Tarabans.
• Construction of the Jalingo Trailer Park, soon to be commissioned to address traffic congestion and logistics challenges in the city.
• Completion of Ussa General Hospital, improving healthcare access in underserved areas. Plans are also in place to renovate and equip all Primary Health Care centres across the state.
• State-wide Free Education Initiative, ensuring that Taraba’s children receive quality education without financial barriers. The government acknowledges existing challenges in implementation and is actively working to resolve them—a commitment Governor Kefas reaffirmed during his recent unscheduled visit to Howai Primary and Secondary School in Jalingo.
• Resolution of long-standing university issues, ensuring stability in tertiary education.
• Upcoming rehabilitation of Jalingo internal roads, with contractors set to commence work soon.
On the Allegation of Diverted Funds, she said,
“The claim that Governor Agbu Kefas diverted ₦100 billion to a retired general is an outright falsehood with no factual basis. The governor has not handed over to any individual such an amoount to money for whatsoever reason.
“Instead, the government is repaying loans inherited from past administrations while making giant strides in infrastructure and service delivery.
“Similarly, the allegation that local government intervention funds were diverted is entirely false. Just last week the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs released funds to the local government councils for developmental projects in their various councils. To ensure that the projects at the local councils align with the state development master plan, the Governor few days ago held a meeting with local government chairmen to present the Taraba Master Plan.
“Suffice it to say that in the last quarter of last year, monies were released to the local government councils many of them have embarked on projects such as building of market stores, public toilets among others. The claim regarding diversion of funds meant for grain purchases is also misleading. The funds were allocated as part of the administration’s food security measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship. Over 3,000 metric tons of grains have already been purchased, and the planned 10,000 metric tons will be procured before the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The Commissioner urge Journalists to uphold professional Journalism
“While Governor Kefas remains open to constructive criticism, it is unacceptable for media practitioners to engage in blackmail and baseless allegations to mislead the public.
“Journalism is a noble profession that must be guided by truth, fairness, and objectivity.
According to her, despite the false allegations, Governor Agbu Kefas remains committed to fulfilling his campaign promises, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for Tarabans.
“His administration will continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance, ensuring that Taraba remains on a path of sustainable development.
“We urge the good people of Taraba State to ignore the misleading reports and continue supporting the government’s development agenda. Taraba is not bankrupt. Taraba is progressing. Taraba is moving forward – she said.7