Taraba State House of Assembly Member Representing Karim 1 State Constituency, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, has explained why he accepted a commissionership appointment. Dr. Jen stated that he accepted the appointment out of obedience to Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, whom he described as his boss.
“The Governor is my boss, whatever he said I should do, I will do it,” Dr. Jen said in an interview with journalists in Bandawa village. “If the Governor sees anything good in me and he said assist me in this, I will not hesitate to do it.” Dr. Jen will be heading the Ministry for Tertiary Institutions.
He noted that his appointment brings both sadness and joy, especially in his constituency. According to him, when he is sworn in as Commissioner, a by-election will be conducted to fill the vacant space in the House of Assembly. “I will just relinquish the position of Member Representing Karim 1 State Constituency Taraba State House of Assembly to create room for a by-election for somebody to emerge,” he said.
Dr. Jen commended Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for his security achievements in the state. He also used the opportunity to enlighten the people of Bandawa on the importance of peaceful coexistence, particularly among youths. “I am here today on the instruction of my Boss, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to preach on Security,” he said.
On the issue of chiefdom and district tussle in some communities, Dr. Jen emphasized the need for adequate presentation and consultation involving all stakeholders. “Government is saying that every community should nominate people within their communities that will rule them rather than taking somebody from another jurisdiction to go and rule in a different jurisdiction which is not his,” he explained.
He also announced that 50 youths will be carefully selected and trained as marshals. Village leaders are expected to recommend responsible and well-behaved youths for the training. Dr. Jen pointed out that the government had stopped the appointment of some district heads due to lack of consultation and petitions from stakeholders.
The 2025 Bandawa Day Celebration, which Dr. Jen attended, had the theme “Harnessing Human and Natural Resources Towards the Promotion of Peace and Unity amongst the Bandawa people and their Neighbors”.