By QS. Tusse Aondona Suleiman, Quantity Surveyor
betewinw.com
In my twenty years as a Quantity Surveyor, I have worked across many states in Nigeria, witnessing projects worth trillions of naira abandoned at the change of government. Continuity has often been the missing link in Nigeria’s development story. Yet, Taraba State, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas is breaking this trend and showing the nation, that governance can indeed be done differently.

For the first time, Taraba has a governor who has deliberately placed the interest of the people above personal or political gain. Dr. Kefas has embraced projects inherited from past administrations, treating them not as political baggage but as building blocks for a stronger, more prosperous state. This decision to continue and complete existing projects sets him apart in a country where too many leaders prefer to start afresh for the sake of political
credit.

The contrast with the immediate past administration is striking. Despite being led by an architect, one might have expected Taraba to benefit from a visionary masterplan that could position the state on the global stage. Instead, that opportunity was missed. Today, Governor Kefas, with the discipline and foresight of his military background, has charted a masterplan for the future of Taraba and is implementing it with visible, measurable results.

Key Achievements So Far

Danbaba Suntai Airport – Now Completed

One of the clearest demonstrations of Governor Kefas’s results-driven leadership is the successful completion of the Danbaba Suntai Airport upgrade in Jalingo.

Outcome: The airport, previously closed by FAAN for safety concerns, is now fully operational, with commercial flights already resumed.

Impact: This has restored Taraba’s air connectivity, boosted trade, tourism, and investment confidence, and positioned the state once again on Nigeria’s aviation map.
Sixty Schools Across 16 LGAs – Ongoing on Fast Track
Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and Governor Kefas has prioritized it with the construction of 60 modern schools across all 16 LGAs.

Each school is designed with its own power source and modern facilities.
A six-month construction timeline is being pursued, supported by 45 Hydraform block-making machines for durability and cost efficiency.
This initiative complements the governor’s free and compulsory education policy, which includes free uniforms, books, shoes, and other learning materials.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has hailed this as a landmark in Taraba’s educational history.
A Comprehensive Development Masterplan – First Since 1991

For the first time since the creation of Taraba State, a formal development masterplan has been launched under Dr. Kefas. After extensive consultations, the masterplan now provides a clear roadmap for infrastructure, energy, economic planning, and land use. The government has also signed an MoU with CCECC to support its implementation.

Road Infrastructure – Connecting Communities
The Governor is leading the rehabilitation and new construction of key roads across the state. These roads are critical for farmers, traders, and commuters, improving access to markets and reducing transportation costs.

TY Danjuma House Upgrade: Restoring one of the state’s most important assets to reflect the pride and dignity of Taraba people.
School of Nursing and Midwifery Development: Expanding capacity in healthcare education and ensuring Taraba can produce the professionals needed for a stronger health sector.

Greenhouse Farming Projects: A bold step into modern agriculture, improving food security and opening new opportunities for agribusiness.
Modern Market Projects: Strengthening local commerce, boosting revenue, and creating economic opportunities for ordinary citizens.
And these are only a few examples among the numerous projects that are either completed or ongoing.

Why This Matters

From a professional perspective, what Governor Kefas is doing is not only visionary but also pragmatic:
Completed, not abandoned– The airport project proves continuity is possible and beneficial.
Efficient delivery– Standardized designs and Hydraform technology reduce costs while ensuring quality.
Strategic planning – The masterplan aligns current projects with long-term growth.
Social impact – Investments in education, aviation, and roads etc have immediate and lasting benefits for the people.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, critics such as Omoyele Sowore have attempted to downplay these achievements, sometimes without understanding the basic distinction between federal and state responsibilities. Such misplaced criticism cannot erase the reality on the ground: Taraba is rising.

What impresses me most is not merely the number of projects Governor Dr Agbu Kefas has initiated, but how they are being executed: with inherited projects completed, new ones accelerated, and all aligned with a broader masterplan. The completed airport upgrade, to the 60 schools underway, and the statewide development roadmap demonstrate that Taraba finally has a government that values continuity, embraces discipline, and delivers results.

Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas is proving to Nigeria and the world that leadership rooted in vision and accountability can transform a state in record time. With vision, integrity, and courage, Taraba is not just catching up—it is becoming a beacon of progress for Nigeria.

By Rikwense Muri

In moments of collective hardship, it is easy to be swept away by the tide of public emotion. When everyone is crying, the natural instinct is to cry with them. When voices rise in complaint, we feel the urge to add our own grievances. When the masses rise to fight against government, or to sing its praises, we often find ourselves joining in—not because we have thought deeply about it, but because it feels safer to belong to the crowd.

But history teaches us that progress rarely comes from those who merely echo the noise of the majority. True change often begins with men and women who refuse to be carried along by the currents of popular sentiment. They pause. They reflect. They think differently.

Crisis is a teacher. It reveals weakness in systems, exposes flaws in leadership, and magnifies the cracks in society. Yet, it also presents a hidden opportunity. While many see only failure and chaos, the creative thinker sees an opening. A broken system cries out not only for critics, but for builders. A suffering society does not need more tears and despair, but hands willing to shape something new.

History gives us striking examples.

In South Africa, at the height of apartheid, Nelson Mandela refused to be consumed by bitterness. He once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” Instead of vengeance, he chose reconciliation. By thinking differently, he turned his nation away from civil war and towards democracy.

In India, Mahatma Gandhi faced the might of colonial oppression but rejected violence as the easy answer. “In a gentle way, you can shake the world,” he reminded his people. Through patience and peaceful resistance, he proved that courage is not only found in the sword but in the discipline of restraint. His strategy toppled an empire and inspired movements across the globe.

In Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo looked at a country drowning in waste and corruption during the oil boom years and refused to follow the crowd. “After rain comes sunshine; after darkness comes the glorious dawn,” he declared. With vision, he invested heavily in education and infrastructure, laying foundations that still bear fruit in the Yoruba region today.

These leaders remind us that in times of uncertainty, progress belongs not to those who complain the loudest, but to those who think differently and act strategically.

This same lesson applies to Taraba State today. For the past two years, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas has led with a focus not on hurried projects but on laying solid foundations. While the demand for roads and infrastructure has been loud and justified, the administration chose first to strengthen security, expand access to education, boost agriculture, and reform the civil service. These steps may not carry the glamour of highways and flyovers, but they are the invisible pillars upon which sustainable development rests.

On his recent three-day tour across the three senatorial zones, Governor Kefas admitted the delays but explained why. Taraba needed a master plan. Taraba needed stable funding. Taraba needed security. Without these, any construction effort would have been a fragile showpiece, destined to collapse.

Now, with these essentials in place, he has declared that by October 2025 Taraba will become a construction site. Roads, bridges, and infrastructure will receive overdue attention—not as rushed political gestures, but as part of a carefully prepared development blueprint.

This is why the STYCOP Peace Project chooses encouragement over criticism at this moment. Just as Mandela, Gandhi, and Awolowo chose patience and strategy in their contexts, we believe Taraba must also choose wisdom over impulse. To doubt now, or to politicize development, would be to miss the opportunity before us.

Rome was not built in a day. In 34 years of statehood, Taraba has seen progress and setbacks. To expect a government only two years into its tenure to erase decades of neglect is unfair. What we can expect, however, is sincerity, vision, and steady progress. On these counts, the present administration has shown commitment.

Every generation faces a defining choice: to drown in collective complaint, or to rise above the noise and shape a new path. STYCOP has chosen the latter. We choose to stand with peace, with development, and with the vision of a Taraba rebuilt on solid foundations.

As October approaches and the state embarks on its promised infrastructural revolution, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Taraba’s journey has been long and filled with delays, but with unity, patience, and support, what once seemed impossible can become the new reality.

Amb Rikwense Muri, mspsp, mnipr
President, STYCOP Peace Project
25th September 2025

By Williams Ayooso

Whosoever that wants to run aground Hon. Dr. Sarah Enoch Adi, Governor Agbu Kefa’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Development must be an influential figure. But it appears more of a powerful cartel at work, looking at the extent of the wiles and energy that is been deployed for the mission. The cabal might be lying insidiously in the comfort zone of the administration’s corridor of power.

Incidents as these unfold, when a person or group of people perceive an individual or a system as a stumbling block to their mission, mostly one that is self-serving. It also occurs as a result of a vicious jealousy, where a person or group of people feel that a system that they all belonged to is patronizing an individual to his or their detriment. The Dr Sarah Enoch Adi crisis symbolizes this scenario.

At first, it was a labour action in the state that called out for her head. But one must not be a labour activist or technocrat to be informed that the Commissioner of Finance is just but an appointee of the Governor, carrying out the fiscal policy direction of the state in line with the mandate of her ministry. One need not be a technocrat to understand that a commissioner drives his or her official activities on the wheels of the policy direction of a State; most especially, from resolutions of the State Executive Council. In the circumstances, it was unfair to single out the Commissioner of Finance for vilification and punishment. But this has come to pass. Fortunately, she was not relieved of her job as the protesters demanded.

But that was just but the beginning of series of mindboggling attacks that were lined up on her way. Bill boards, showcasing her solidarity with her boss, His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas were profiled and mutilated at Wukari, her own town. When measured on the scale of civility and rational thought process, the reasons for this emotional intimidation, as permeated the social media space, a week ago, by an unidentified group, were as weak as they were baseless. They were more of blaming Governor Agbu Kefas for appointing a commissioner in the person of who is not supposed to be appointed, someone who is not popular in their community.

Just before the euphoria of the politically driven attack, with its likely attendant emotional trauma to the Commissioner will wither in the space of time, Dr Sarah Enoch Adi was called out again. This time, it’s a video footage of a lady, caught red handed in an ICAN examination class, claiming she was hired by the Commissioner for the dirty deal. Maybe they got her this time, maybe they did not. Time and circumstances will determine this.

But while this is being awaited. There are worrisome gaps in the trajectory of Dr Sarah Enoch’s bad personality branding. At first, labour in the state, narrowed their demands for her removal, few weeks after, her billboard showcasing solidarity with the Governor was mutilated. And now, a high-profile case of an examination malpractice is linked to her. These happened in a quick succession. From the way that things are weaving around her, it is not out of place to predict that the Commissioner would be called out again soon, for another mindboggling accusation.

Is it a mere coincidence that these series of incidences, with grave tendencies to obliterate the young lady’s political career are reeling out in quick succession? After all, when was this ICAN exam taken? Did any of these traducers with stones in their hands cared to check? Viewing the emerging scenarios from the standpoint of objectivity and discerning spirit, it’s difficult to answer this in affirmative.

Yet, another shadow of doubt hovers on the video footages of the ICAN’s exam malpractice. ICAN, as we are made to believe, is a conserved and respected examination body that survived over time, not only for its professional code but also for its integrity and discipline. Why did such a body prioritize social media space, as a platform for vilification, censorship and punitive measures? The ICAN we know, will in the circumstances, especially that it is a matter of grave academic concerned, would have activated a coordinated administrative action, to investigate or interrogate the culprit and thereafter make their findings public, by way of an official position. This was not done.

Now, ICAN has released an official document alluding that it will investigate the matter and publish its findings. This means that, as a body, it is officially not privy to the incident. Again, here lies another towering concern. If ICAN authority releases its findings to the contrary, what becomes of Dr Sarah Enoch’s battered image? Who can she hold responsible for this emotional and moral damage? That is why the ICAN dimension of what many people believed that it is a pull her down syndrome, remains suspicious.

As earlier said, Dr Sarah Enoch is dealing with a powerful cabal within the system. For them to transcend the community, state and national environments to execute their inglorious project of uprooting the commissioner’s political career means they are vicious, connected and dangerously shrewd. People who have their moral sanity weeded off from their conscience template can go to any length to plunder, or destroy, just to get what they want, even if it is at the detriment of the system or society.

For these people that are calling for Dr Sarah Enoch’s head, what they want to achieve, might not be far from the fact that the Commissioner is too strict in implementing a fiscal policy that does not provide any room for looting or manipulation, as it was in the past. She is now an obstacle. Therefore, pushing her out of the system is to them, the only alternative. It can even be for envy purposes or both.

Be it as it may, Dr Sarah Enoch saga has revealed two incongruous tragedies of human nature. These are tied to man’s inhumanity against man, as well as the selectivity of peoples’ consciousness over the consequences of atrocities that they commit for their personal gains.

It is believed that those people, overstretching their negative skills to run the commissioner aground are also being sheltered by the same Governor Agbu Kefas led administration. By pulling down the commissioner in the mud on a global stage, they are also weakening the moral and integrity ligament of the Kefas’ administration. In other words, they are pulling Governor’s Kefas’s administration down. It is no longer about Dr Sarah; it is about the people of Taraba State and Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration. To think that it is only Hon. Sarah Enoch Adi they are fighting is selective amnesia on the consequences of their acts. They know the consequences of their actions, but are overwhelmed by personal inimical and self-serving targets.

The second calamity oscillates from the people celebrating what is now seen as Dr Sarah Enoch ICAN’s examination scandal. How can an enlightened society like ours, a society that abhor injustice, promotes social Justice and rule of law, continue to encourage and celebrate social media propelled trial and conviction. Did the society care for the Commissioner’s side of the story? No.

Today it is Dr Sarah Enoch Adi that is being dragged into the mud, maligned, jeered and booed at, based on the social media propelled judgement. But what goes around, comes around. In such a system that is being encouraged, even by some educated and elites, everybody is a victim. Call it man’s inhumanity against man, you may not be wrong. This is not a fair human disposition.

Williams Ayooso is a Jalingo based media practitioner

By Eliud Jen Mathew

When i was in secondary school, i was uncommonly tilted to the axiom that “suffering should be creative, ‘ thus, it should give birth to something good and lovely which is gratification.

But with the passage of time, i got to shifting my goal post after reflecting on some principles of life and positive advancement.

l ruminated on politics, governance and socio- cultural milieu to reach the conclusion that the path of instant gratification carries with it the pains of accompanying misery and disillusionment. Those who wantonly pursue the gains of instant gratification especially in politics end up on the street of exclusivity and total abyss.

This is perhaps the reason people cry fowl after electing leaders to occupy positions of trust and responsibility and end up pursuing egocentric goals instead of developing the society. such folks (leaders) felt that they bought their way through the political echelons and therefore should be allowed to amass wealth to the detriment of communal needs.

I am highly of the opinion that the politics of instant gratification, though strewn with flowers in merry go- round, ultimately leads to perdition.

The fact is that when morals are thrown out to the dogs, rule of law suffers defeat. l am simply talking here about undue gratification which covers true justice hence given birth to poor leadership.

Our dear State (Taraba) reflects a growing concern among citizens about the need for sustainable development and long-term planning instead of citizens harping on the principle of instant gratification to demonstrate political franchise.

For instance, the politics of instant gratification often prioritizes short-term gains and quick fixes over long-term solutions, which can hinder meaningful progress and development in the state.

Secondly, the desire for instant gratification attracts lack of sustainable development drive by political office holders. This approach can lead to a lack of investment in critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare, ultimately affecting the state’s overall growth and prosperity.

Thirdly, drive for instant gratification begets Citizen Disillusionment. When promises are not fulfilled, citizens become disillusioned with the political process, leading to decreased trust and participation in governance.

If anything, I am calling on citizens to drop the theatrical levity of the pursuit of instant gratification in the game of politics because leadership is not rocket science. There is therefore the need for long-Term planning and need assessment to address these challenges coupled with strategic investment, and a focus on sustainable development that benefits future generations.

By shifting from the innuendoes of instant gratification to long-term planning, Taraba State can work towards creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for its citizens.

Can Governor Agbu Kefas survive the barrage of accusations, criticisms and outright media attacks that hover on his head and scale through the second term of his administration? Williams Ayooso asked rhetorically as he excavates the recriminations of bad governance labeled against him.

The Position of Dr Kefas Agbu as Governor of Taraba State is no longer an enviable one. Like the swords of Damocles, there is a vicious circle of criticism hanging over his head and obviously, his hands seems to blistered with the handling of affairs of the state.

Those coordinated attacks, emanating from people across different shades of opinion, are accusing Governor Agbu Kefas over aspects of administrative malfeasance, including profligacy, globetrotting, insensitivity on welfare of people, a midst absence of visible development features.

According to a report published by the Sahara Reporters and which has not being contradicted by any government source, Governor Kefas expended a whopping sum of N2.4billion on the renovation of the Taraba State Government House, which is further renamed after his godfather, TY Danjuma. The amount involved in the renovation drew concerns among the people, who have wondered why such a huge sum of money will be channeled on such a project in face of water scarcity, dilapidated education infrastructure and other projects of the general public concerns.

Two weeks ago, the Leadership Newspaper in its recent report, stated that the Governor has spent the spent N5.22B, just in six Months on foreign trips. Leadership, which based its source on the information it obtained from the Taraba State Government website, as gathered by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), elaborated that the money was spent on the foreign trips between January and June 2025.

As the figures and events continued to shove the Governor Kefas administration to the blink of infamy, some critical stakeholders have folded up their sleeves and joined the flare. Among them is Prof. Sani Yahaya, candidate of the NNPP who gave Governor Kefas a close chase in the previous governorship election in the state.
Prof. Yahaya decried what he described as a deepening debt crisis in Taraba State under Governor Kefas, pointed out that almost N1trillion in loans allegedly secured over two years by the state government without any meaningful development to show for it.

Yahaya who spoke to SaharaReporters said the debts were obtained on behalf of the state and its 16 local government areas, yet the socio-economic landscape of Taraba remains bleak.

“We are gravely concerned about the massive borrowing nearly one trillion Naira with virtually no infrastructure or public service improvement to justify it.” Yahaya said.
Citing an independent assessment comparing development indices across Nigeria’s 36 states, Yahaya revealed that Taraba ranked among the lowest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and governance, despite being one of the most indebted

“The Governor has spent billions on foreign trips supposedly to attract investors, yet no single company has come to Taraba to build a factory or invest,” he said. Despite the state’s rich potential in agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism, he lamented that these sectors remain untapped” He said.
Even as the salvo that Prof Yahaya of the NNPP fired was still dangling on the state’s socio-political space, an APC group drew its knife to cut its own pound of fresh, accusing the Kefas administration of embarking on a borrowing spree, despite an increase in federal allocations to the state.

The spokesperson for the group, Rikwensi Muri, in a statement issued to newsmen blamed the State House of Assembly for approving a ₦350 billion bond request for the governor without thorough scrutiny.

According to him, “Despite the apparent increase in federal allocations, rising from approximately ₦3 billion to ₦13 billion monthly—and the growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) over the past two years, the state has witnessed an alarming trend of escalating debt.

“We strongly condemn the recklessness exhibited by the Taraba State House of Assembly in approving this bond without adequate checks and balances.“It is imperative that our elected representatives prioritize the welfare of the people over political expediency. This approval is not just a fiscal decision; it is a direct threat to the future of Taraba State.” the release stated among other things.

For the Nigeria former ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo, the debts are just but a process of mortgaging Taraba State’s financial future. He spoke with Journalists in a telephone interview.

Ardo, who was also the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Taraba state chapter, criticized the growing debt of the state under Governor Agbu Kefas, alleging that the administration has borrowed over ₦400 billion in less than two years without any significant developmental projects to justify the expenditures.
“I have observed the situation in Taraba quietly, but things are getting out of hand. This government has not initiated and completed a single project since its inception, just renovations,” Ardo stated.
Perhaps, what can be described as the most unkind cuts emanated from the Governor’s home front, Rt. Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, member, 8th and 9th National Assembly, House of Representatives, another scion of the Kwararafa kingdom. His dagger was sharp and the cut, deep, given the emotions that weaves around it and the public response that it elicited.

In his salvo, which came in a format of an open letter, Hon. Shiddi, unarguably, a respected voice, not only in the Kwararafa kingdom, but in the entire Southern, said that, under Governor Kefas, Taraba is not just wounded; it is hemorrhaging—slowly, quietly, painfully.
“What we are witnessing is not growth or transformation. It is regression. Taraba is not standing tall. It is staggering, bleeding, and neglected.

“The state’s debt profile speaks louder than any prepared speech ever could. Over 400 billion Naira in accumulated debt, including a 350 billion Naira bond approved by the State House of Assembly, and an external debt of 21.92 million dollars as of the second quarter of 2023. Yet, what can we show for this level of borrowing? Which landmark project can we point to? What breakthrough in infrastructure or social welfare? If we are mortgaging the future of our children, should we not at least be able to show them what their future is being traded for?

“Hospitals are barely functioning. Schools are collapsing. And the average citizen is left wondering what benefit, if any, these billions have brought. The only thing growing is public frustration.

“For two years, you have been traveling the world in the name of attracting foreign investors, yet there is no evidence of a single successful investment. Your governing style has become increasingly authoritarian. The perception is growing that Taraba State is being run like a personal estate. Where is democracy in all of this?”
The open letter reads in part.
If the situation of the state as graphically painted by Hon. Shiddi did not upset Governor Kefas, nothing will.

Now, Can Governor Agbu Kefas survive the barrage of blame, accusations, criticisms and outright verbal attacks that hover on his head and scale through the second term of his administration?

Despite that the answer is obviously subjective, the state’s political temperature is slanting in a direction that might not be favourable to Governor Kefas.

Three factors will count against him. Apart from the negative posture that he is draped with, making him a bad product in the political market, he will lose a home support that is critical to victory. Already, David Sabo Kente, DSK, who anchored his (Kefas) victory in Wukari local government and beyond, has indicated his interest in the state’s coveted position. Senator Emmanuel Bwacha of the APC, is still coming. It is believed that this time, he will have a good measure of experience t back up his efforts. Prof Yahaya might come again, with the force of thunderbolt.

A more disturbing factor is the instability of the PDP at the national level. If the vicissitudes and intrigues that wave around the party is anything to go by, it will not be out of place to posit that winning election under its umbrella will be a herculean task.
Governor Kefas is likely aware of this looming disadvantage, hence he is reported to be making efforts to cross carpet to the ruling APC.

Unfortunately, his ambition proves to be dead on arrival, as ambassador Jika Ardo, a APC stalwart has declared that there is no automatic ticket for Kefas.
“I can confirm that the governor is making moves to join the APC and we are all aware of that. It is actually not a secret and we in the APC are not against that. However, you know that the governor has performed poorly in his first two years in office and so he is not bringing anything tangible to the table. In fact, they are political liabilities. What value are they bringing to the table? They have lost followership and people have lost confidence in them..” He said.

In the game of politics, anything can happen. Whether Governor Kefas, will wiggle and wobble his way into his second term as governor in the face of these attacks, amidst the lingering morbid and toxic socio-political atmosphere, remains to be seen.

By Osaro Adamu Jibrin

Taraba State has reached a milestone, 34 years since its creation. That is like a young adult: old enough to have history, yet still brimming with untapped potential. In those years, Taraba have seen a lot: good times, tough times, and everything in between, but through it all, the state has stood firm. It is a living testament to the saying: “No weapon fashioned against Taraba shall prosper.”

Think about it: in 34 years, we have celebrated the return of democracy, we’ve seen the rise of cell phones, and adapted to sweeping technological change that reshaped banking, commerce, and even security. At the same time, Tarabans endured terrifying outbreaks of Ebola, Lassa fever, and COVID-19 while also confronting insecurity from Boko Haram, kidnapping, and the turbulence of the #EndSARS protests. Each test forced us to come together as a people, and each triumph reminded us of our resilience.

Past and present leaders of the state deserve credit for their contributions. Their efforts brought Taraba to where it stands today. Yet, as we reflect on this journey, one truth is clear: the problems in Taraba state is not going to fix itself. It requires collective will, fresh ideas and bold thinkers who can push us forward. And that is why, as Taraba turns 34, I’m looking at Gambo Mubarak as someone who can really make a difference.

Between 2019 and 2023, as the representative of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency, Mubarak demonstrated what purposeful leadership looks like. My conviction in his capacity to serve as the most credible candidate for the 2027 Taraba Central Senatorial race is not born of sentiment but of evidence. He has vision, political will, and the courage to reimagine Taraba’s possibilities.

To understand the kind of leadership he can provide, let’s take a quick trip back in time to America in the 1960s. It was a turbulent era marked by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the civil rights struggles led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and deep divisions fueled by racial injustice and organized crime. Police brutality ran unchecked. Amid the chaos, one man, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., emerged as a strong, unapologetic voice for his people. As a congressman, Powell pushed for civil rights, social justice, and equal opportunities, proving that leadership, backed by imagination and resolve, can change the destiny of a people.

Like Powell, Gambo Mubarak is committed to being that kind of voice for Taraba Central. He envisions a region where Sardauna, Gashaka, Bali, and Gassol are strengthened by federal-backed legislation that drives infrastructure, jobs, and social investment. This vision is not utopian; it is the logical continuation of what he has already begun.

At 34, Taraba needs more than ceremonial representation. It needs a senator who will ask tough questions, sponsor people-centered bills, and ensure that federal resources reach those who need them most. Mubarak has the rare gift of mobilizing people, not with empty words, but by responding to their real needs. That is exactly the kind of leadership the Senate requires.

But here lies the truth: no leader, no matter how visionary, succeeds without the will of the people. For Gambo Mubarak’s vision to become reality, Taraba Central must stand solidly behind him.

Powell once said: “As long as it is within the law, it’s not wrong; if the law is wrong, change the law.” That same spirit of courage and reform is what Gambo Mubarak brings to the table.

At 34, Taraba Central cannot afford stagnation. With Gambo Mubarak in the Senate, the region has the chance to rewrite its story: one of progress, opportunity, and true representation. Taraba deserves no less.

God bless Taraba state!

Good people exist. Not in the blues—they live among us. Sadly, in a society populated by wicked people, highly sentimental and parochial, we are often compelled by this dominant trend to notice only the wicked ones around us. This does not by any means erode the fact that there are good people among us—so good that you can’t help but wish they were elevated to higher positions of authority in the greater interest of society.
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a few such good people in my life and can attest to their generosity. For instance, Professor Dauda Ishaya Suntai is a father to me and, indeed, my siblings by every other definition of the word “father”—except biological. He’s so good to us that my younger brother would always emphasise that any day Suntai ventures into elective politics at whatever level, he’ll be at the forefront of the campaign and mobilisation process!
My Ph.D. supervisor, Professor Peter Esuh, was incredibly kind to me. His role in my Ph.D. journey transcended that of an academic supervisor—it became that of a father. For instance, for most of my stay in Uyo during the programme, I lived in his house and was well-fed. But that wasn’t all: every day he returned home, he would emphatically ask, “Simon, have you eaten?” And even when I said yes, he’d still probe further: “What have they served you?” I must confess, they didn’t know how to serve food in that house—it must always be in excess! I’d always have to eat it twice or throw away the remainder, which used to make me feel very guilty.

Today, however, I write not about Suntai or Esuh or any other good person I’ve written about before, but about our very own Dr. John Maikomo Moses, the PDP Chairmanship flagbearer for Bali LGA in the forthcoming Local Government Councils election in Taraba State. I feel compelled to write this for two reasons. First, for others who do not have the privilege of knowing him personally like I do, to also know the kind of person that is flying the PDP flag for the Bali LGC polls. Secondly, this write-up intends to blow the trumpet for his positive deeds—just to remind ourselves that as much as bad people populate our society, there are also good ones in our midst.

For instance, just two days ago, we all watched in anger as a commissioner-nominee in Benue State (also a lecturer like Dr. John) had to account for his deeds, where his previous students rose in unison to level allegations of wickedness and high-handedness against him. This scenario begs the question: is it only the bad deeds that society notices? Against this background, I’ve taken it upon myself to blow the trumpet for Dr. John and let the world know the stuff he’s made of.

How did I meet Dr. John Maikomo Moses, and how has he impacted my life thus far?
I met Dr. John in 2012, during my second year as an undergraduate student. With his simple dressing—stockings with chinos, packet shirts or polos, and loafers—and a cheerful and pleasant personality, he immediately became our favourite! Specifically, he taught our class two courses, one in 200 and the other in 300 level. My performance attracted him to me, and although he was friendly and cheerful with all of us, he had a somewhat special interest in me.
We became closer during the accreditation exercise when we were grouped to handle different tasks in preparation. Dr. John coordinated the PR Unit in the exercise, while I and a few other students manned the unit. This exercise brought us very close, as it involved a series of rehearsals for a branding campaign we created for a fictional multinational cafeteria.

After the prolonged 2013 ASUU strike—during which I had retired to my village and was almost cut off from the rest of the world—I resumed campus to the shocker: Dr. John had left for doctoral studies in China! No—it was a shock too much to bear. For the first time, I quickly slid into his Facebook DM and expressed my profound shock and joy at the same time. He promptly responded, and we reconnected on Facebook, occasionally exchanging pleasantries.
By 2014, I had graduated and was working with NTA Jalingo as a volunteer when an assignment took me to the department, where I ran into Dr. John on vacation in Nigeria. The excitement was unprecedented. He told me how he had been so worried about me when he heard that herdsmen had displaced most of the Tiv settlements in Bali and Gassol but was relieved to learn that I was safe. That was the day I experienced his generosity for the first time. While we were still talking, he whispered to the departmental administrative officer to assist him with some cash, and he’d transfer the amount to her later. I think she was collecting students’ registration dues or something. The woman gave him ₦5,000, which he handed over to me as I was about to leave. I’m sure neither he nor the woman will remember this day, but I still vividly recall the entire scenario.

By 2018, we became colleagues in the department. John had completed his Ph.D. and returned from China. But something happened. The office allocated to him was not befitting or conducive. Although he accepted it, he didn’t use it—he operated from home to the classroom. After class, he’d hang around his car to attend to student matters, take a few rounds around campus, and zoom off. But with time, responsibilities increased. I recall he was made the departmental Postgraduate Coordinator that year.

Meanwhile, I had two extra tables in my office. When administrative responsibilities became too much to handle from his car, he started using my office. I must also mention that I was his personal secretary for most PG issues and would do most of the running around. In our daily conversations, he kept insisting that he was looking for how he could support me in a “big way.” I wasn’t sure I understood what that meant, but he kept saying it.
One day, a friend visited, and they got talking. I think the man wanted to see the Vice Chancellor but couldn’t. I overheard John link him to the VC’s protocol officer, saying, “When you get there and there’s any issue, just give me a call.” I asked myself—so this man has access to the VC’s office?
Meanwhile, my younger brother had graduated with a First Class in Physics. His department and faculty had recommended him for employment. The Dean followed up and met the VC in person. We also involved other influential people within and outside the University, including our Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Istifanus Rokoba, who gave the application to a prominent church member in the VC’s circle. Still, the letter remained in the VC’s KIV.

After the friend left, I mentioned to John that my younger brother also graduated with a First Class, and we were pushing hard for his employment, to no avail. He was shocked. “You don’t mean it, Tordue!” he exclaimed. I smiled, opened my drawer, and handed him a copy of the application letter and credentials. It was a Tuesday, and he told me the guy must be employed before the end of the week. That sounded like a joke.
By Wednesday, he was at the VC’s office. After long conversations, he presented the letter and explained that the candidate was his protégé, and he wanted to leave with the appointment letter. The VC, recognizing the name, said he was aware of the case and had only been waiting for the right time, and asked John to return on Monday for proper discussion on the matter.

John briefed me on Thursday, disappointed it couldn’t happen that week, but promised to “wake up” at the VC’s office on Monday. But on Saturday, the miracle happened: the VC himself called my brother to come pick up his appointment letter at his office by Monday! My brother was shocked. On Monday, we had a departmental board meeting. I sat next to John, who told me he’d head straight to the VC’s office after the meeting. Before the meeting ended, my brother messaged me—he had collected the letter!
A Pillar of Support

Dr. John has been a strong pillar of support to me over the years. I must summarise now, as the write-up is already lengthy. In 2021, when I told him I was starting my building project, he insisted on being present when I was about to kickstart the project. And, true to his words, he was there on the first day. Justine Tyopuusu would remember—we waited for his friend, Arc. Mayor for about two hours before he arrived to commence the setting up that day. When John was about to leave, he transferred ₦100,000 to me as his support. Justine was there and can testify. That was the first (and perhaps only) time I received such a generous cash donation.

Again, when I told him I was starting my Ph.D. in Uyo, he was thrilled. He jokingly promised to pay my first semester’s fees. When I eventually started the programme and he found out, he immediately asked for the amount. I told him everything for the first semester was within the neighbourhoods of ₦75,000—and he transferred it instantly. Apart from John, only Fr. Istifanus Rokoba has ever given me a sum above ₦70,000.

Agsin, in 2022, during the reign of King Darius when salary was but a mirage, I was in Abuja for visa processing and ran out of funds. I teased John that I was “stuck but not stranded.” He instantly sent ₦20,000 for my return to Uyo. People close to me are aware of all these—beyond the moral and practical support he constantly offers.

The Adventure into Politics
Three weeks ago, I was at his office, and he intimated me of his intention venture into politics to enable him impact humanity at a larger scale. While I consented to it, I least imagined it will be this soon. Earlier this week, I first saw a WhatsApp message on our departmental platform, congratulating him for emerging the consensus chairmanship candidate for Bali LGA. Then followed the social media frenzy that is currently ongoing.
To the people of Bali, this is your opportunity to turn around the fortunes of your LGA. Yet, this is not just about Bali. Dr. John’s political journey is just starting, and by the grace of God, the sky is his take-off destination, with humanity as the ultimate beneficiary.
Cheers to a resounding victory at the polls, Sir!

Tordue Simon Targema, Ph.D. writes from the Department of Mass Communication, Taraba State University, Jalingo.
He can be reached via: torduesimon@tsuniversity.edu.ng

By J.A. OSARO

Last week, all roads led to Sabon Layi in Bali, the humble residence of Hon. Gambo Mubarak, right at the heart of Bali Local Government Area. The place was easy to find, not just because of Google Maps, but because the whole area was alive with excitement. Streets were lined with cars, and the air buzzed with energy as people poured in like water from every corner of Taraba Central.

It was a Tuesday morning like no other. The people of Bali woke up to a town transformed. Supporters came in their numbers; young and old, men and women, from villages and towns across the five local governments of Taraba Central. Representatives from the APC family, NURTW, Kasuwan Buhu Union, MANOMA Union, Kasuwan Tikey, and more gathered for the “Barka Da Sallah Lunch” an initiative straight from the heart of A.A. Mubarak.

But this was more than just a lunch. It was a symbol of unity, a celebration of people’s power, and a clear message that leadership starts from the grassroots.

Hon. Gambo Mubarak understands that leadership is not about sitting in big offices in Abuja, it’s about sitting with your people, listening to them, and sharing in both their joys and struggles. That’s why he brought everyone together to reconnect, to reassure, and to reignite hope.

Yes, Taraba Central faces real challenges. Our youths are jobless. Families struggle to afford food. Schools lack resources. But Mubarak came with a message that resonated deeply: “Hope is not lost.” He spoke with sincerity and vision about rebuilding our communities and creating a future where every citizen has a voice and a place.

And the people saw it, not just in his words, but in his actions. For the first time in a long while, they witnessed a politician who didn’t come with sirens or empty promises. Gambo Mubarak came humbly. He walked through the crowd, shook hands, smiled, and made everyone feel valued.

His speech was the highlight. No long grammar, no scripted platitudes, just raw truth and realistic plans. He talked about youth empowerment, reducing dependency, and creating opportunities that will uplift families across Taraba Central. “I will open the way,” he said, “but the people must walk it with peace, unity, and hard work.”

The event drew top APC leaders, including the State Party Chairman, Barr. Tukur El-Sudi (represented). Their presence wasn’t just symbolic, it was a loud and clear message: APC is united, focused, and ready to take back Taraba in 2027 with a shared vision and a trusted candidate.

Also present was Hon. Garba Chede, who used the occasion to declare unity within the party and express his full support for Hon. Gambo Mubarak. He called on the people to rally behind him as the most credible and capable choice to represent Taraba Central in the Senate come 2027.

Let’s stand with Hon. Gambo Mubarak as he steps forward with sincerity, courage, and a clean heart. The time for empty politics is over. Now is the time for action, for real progress, and for representation that truly reflects the will of the people.

Support Hon. Gambo Mubarak for Senate, Taraba Central 2027. The journey to a better future has already begun.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Saviour Enyiekere as the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), a move that signals both political strategy and administrative continuity.

Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, making his transition into this legislative administrative role an interesting development.

The appointment, which comes with a five-year renewable term, raises key questions about governance, institutional stability, and the balance between political considerations and technical expertise.

What does Enyiekere’s selection mean for Nigeria’s legislative service commission? How will his experience influence the administration of the National Assembly?

This analysis delves into the implications of his appointment, assessing his qualifications, potential challenges, and the strategic significance of his new role.

Professional Background and Political Trajectory

Dr. Saviour Enyiekere’s career trajectory is a blend of environmental expertise and political administration.

While his background is primarily in environmental studies, his recent role as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President provided him with critical experience in legislative operations and political coordination.

This administrative experience will be essential in his new role, where he will oversee the management of the National Assembly’s workforce and ensure the effective functioning of legislative support services.

Strategic and Political Implications

1) Ensuring Administrative Continuity

Enyiekere’s close association with the Senate leadership suggests a commitment to maintaining stability within the National Assembly bureaucracy.

His knowledge of legislative processes and relationships with key stakeholders will help ensure smooth operations within the commission.

2) Political Alignment and Institutional Control

Given Nigeria’s political landscape, appointments to key institutions often reflect strategic calculations. Enyiekere’s appointment could be seen as an effort by the Tinubu administration to consolidate influence within the legislature, ensuring that the commission remains aligned with the government’s broader legislative agenda.

3)Challenges in Navigating Bureaucratic Expectations

While he has political experience, Enyiekere will need to work closely with career civil servants and bureaucrats within the NASC to drive institutional efficiency. The balance between political directives and administrative professionalism will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure.

Potential Reforms and Policy Direction

As Chairman, Enyiekere has an opportunity to modernize the commission’s operations, improve staff welfare, and enhance the efficiency of legislative services. His ability to introduce reforms while managing political expectations will be a defining factor in his leadership.

Conclusion

Dr. Saviour Enyiekere’s appointment as NASC Chairman reflects a mix of political strategy and governance continuity. His experience within the Senate leadership provides him with an insider’s perspective on legislative administration, but his ability to balance political interests with institutional efficiency will be key to his success.

Whether his leadership will bring substantial reforms or maintain the status quo remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—his tenure will play a critical role in shaping the effectiveness of Nigeria’s legislative service commission in the coming years.

By Peter Cheman Koti

In recent times, the creation of new Emirates and Chiefdoms in Adamawa State has been met with negative commentaries from some quarters.

As an informed person, I deem it necessary to set the record straight and provide a balanced perspective on this significant development.

First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge that the creation of the new Emirates and Chiefdoms is a bold and visionary move by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

This initiative is aimed at promoting community independence, strengthening traditional institutions, and enhancing the overall governance structure of the state.

The newly created Chiefdoms, which include Fufore, Yungur, Gombi, Maiha, Hong, Madagali, and Michika, will be formally inaugurated with the presentation of staff of office to their respective monarchs.

The coronation dates have been scheduled as follows:Fufore: 5th February 2025, Yungur: 6th February 2025, Gombi: 8th February 2025, Maiha: 13th February 2025, Hong: 14th February 2025, Madagali: 19th February 2025 and Michika: 20th February 2025.

Contrary to the misconceptions peddled by some critics, the creation of the new Emirates and Chiefdoms is not a divisive or sectional move. Rather, it is a deliberate effort to empower local communities, promote cultural heritage, and foster economic development.

It is also worth noting that the process of creating the new Emirates and Chiefdoms was thorough and inclusive.

Governor Fintiri engaged in extensive consultations with State lawmakers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of all parties were taken into account.

Furthermore, the creation of the new Emirates and Chiefdoms is in line with the principles of decentralization and devolution of power.

By empowering local communities and traditional institutions, Governor Fintiri is demonstrating his commitment to grassroots development and participatory governance.

As the newly created Emirates and Chiefdoms prepare to receive their staff of office, we urge all stakeholders to approach this development with an open mind and a willingness to support the progress of Adamawa State.

Rather than spreading negative commentaries, we should focus on promoting unity, understanding, and cooperation.

To conclude, the creation of the new Emirates and Chiefdoms in Adamawa State is a positive development that deserves our support and appreciation.

We commend Governor Fintiri for his vision and leadership, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of this initiative in the years to come. Congratulations once again to all the newly created Chiefdoms.

Peter Cheman Koti writes from Koti, Song LGA, Adamawa State