By Idris Ayuba

Jalingo, January 8, 2025 — The Coalition of Taraba Youths for Reform and Governance (CTYRG) has passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas over the ongoing Civil Service Reform and Staff Verification Exercise in the state.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the coalition said it had closely monitored the verification exercise and found it to be a necessary and transparent response to deep-rooted irregularities in the state’s civil service payroll system.

According to CTYRG, between June 2023 and July 2025, the staff strength of the Taraba State Civil Service rose sharply from about 19,000 to 25,000 workers, with 6,528 names allegedly introduced into the payroll without due executive approval.

The group noted that this anomaly prompted Governor Kefas to order a comprehensive staff verification exercise in November 2024, followed by the inauguration of a Biometric Verification Committee in 2025, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Government House.

The coalition cited the committee’s findings, which showed that out of the 6,528 individuals expected for verification, only 3,183 appeared, while 3,345 failed to do so. It further revealed that 1,049 of those who appeared were not found in the payroll records of any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA).

CTYRG explained that investigations indicated that the 1,049 individuals were never on the official payroll but had allegedly purchased fake appointment letters from unscrupulous civil servants, describing the development as internal sabotage of the civil service rather than genuine employment.

The coalition commended the outcome of the exercise, noting that it had reduced the state’s monthly wage bill to about ₦3 billion, inclusive of political appointees, thereby restoring fiscal discipline and freeing up resources for development.

“In view of these facts, we fully endorse the work of the Civil Service Verification Committee and pass a vote of confidence on the Dr. Agbu Kefas administration,” the coalition stated.

CTYRG also distanced itself from what it described as sponsored protests aimed at discrediting the reform process and warned against attempts to blackmail members of the verification committee. It advised genuine civil servants with valid grievances to present their documents to the Verification Committee or the Office of the Head of Service for redress.

The group called on the state government to remain resolute in implementing the reforms, stressing that the exercise is repositioning the Taraba State Civil Service for transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development.

The statement was signed by Comr Manri Joshua on behalf of the Coalition of Taraba Youths for Reform and Governance.

By Godwin Peter

It was more or less the 8 wanders of the World when On 3 January 2026, the United States military conducted a major operation in Caracas, Venezuela, involving air strikes and special forces that resulted in the commando capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

The U.S. transported them to New York to face federal criminal charges, including narcoterrorism and drug trafficking.
The operation, titled “Operation Absolute Resolve,” included strikes on strategic locations across northern Venezuela.

In the ensuing development,Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president, was sworn in as ag. president under the Venezuelan constitution after Maduro’s forceful removal.

The U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a transition could be established, effectively suggesting a strong governance influence

The political Implications of the attack on International Law and Sovereignty are severe and deep.
Major international opinion holds that what the U.S. did violates international law, especially the UN Charter’s provisions on sovereignty and non-use of force without Security Council authorization.

At the UN Security Council, both U.S. allies and adversaries criticized the operation. Many countries including China, Russia, and several Latin American states described it as a crime of aggression.

Latin American countries are deeply divided: some condemning the move as infringement on sovereignty, others (notably right-wing leaders) celebrated the removal of Maduro.

The operation inflames U.S. tensions with global powers like Russia and China, who have longstanding strategic relationships with Venezuela.

The US attack may encourage other major powers to justify unilateral action, thus weakening multi-lateral conflict resolution systems.
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. The U.S. intention to liberalize or increase oil production could shift oil markets, affect prices, and reshape energy alliances.

In Nigerian ,political voices are already interpreting the event as a message about legitimacy. For example, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the capture sends a strong message to governments lacking legitimacy and criticized President Tinubu’s silence.
ECOWAS and African Union statements, aligning with broader African concerns, emphasize sovereignty and peaceful processes over unilateral interventions.

Oil and Economic Impacts
If U.S. oversight leads to increased Venezuelan oil output, this could put downward pressure on global oil prices. Nigeria highly dependent on oil revenue for its 2026 budget might face reduced revenue, forcing expenditure cuts or economic adjustments.

On International Law and Foreign Policy,
Nigerian analysts warned that the operation undermines the UN Charter, raising concerns about what it means for smaller states. If powerful countries can use force without broad international backing, Nigeria and other African states argue that it could damage global norms on independence and territorial integrity.

Regional Security Considerations
Nigeria, as a leading power in ECOWAS, may be drawn into broader discussions about regional responses to foreign interventions and how to uphold international law. The situation could influence Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities in multilateral forums.

The U.S. capture of Venezuela’s president represents a dramatic escalation in foreign intervention and has already triggered:
Global legal and diplomatic debate on sovereignty and the use of force.

Political debate in Nigeria, highlighting concerns about legitimacy, sovereignty, and international norms.
This event may reshape global geopolitics in 2026 and beyond, with particular sharp impacts on how powerful nations exercise influence and how smaller states respond to such actions.My guess could be as good as yours,Russia on Ukraine and China on Taiwan.

By Christiana Babayo

The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Women and Children Health Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF), Dr Garba Danjuma, has recounted the humble beginnings and growth of the organisation while charging staff and volunteers to remain committed, loyal and focused on continuous self-development.

Dr Danjuma made this call on Saturday during a WACHEF retreat organised for staff and volunteers, where he reflected on the organisation’s journey from modest beginnings to its current status as a thriving and impactful foundation.

According to him, WACHEF started operations from a one-room office without windows, driven only by vision, passion and determination. Today, he noted, the foundation has grown into a more convenient and structured office environment, a testament to resilience, hard work and unwavering commitment to its mission of empowering women and children.

He described WACHEF as an institution that has laid a strong foundation for learning for everyone who has come in contact with it, stressing that the organisation provides a level playing field for personal growth.

Dr Danjuma said the foundation has consistently helped to boost the intellectual and social capacities of its staff and volunteers, preparing them for greater responsibilities beyond the organisation.

The BoT Chairman encouraged staff and volunteers to remain committed to personal development and to embrace lifelong learning, noting that acquiring new skills and knowledge is essential for global competitiveness in today’s fast-changing world.

He also cautioned against complacency, urging them not to take for granted the opportunities for growth, exposure and capacity building offered by WACHEF.

Speaking on leadership, Dr Danjuma noted that effective leadership is not about being liked by everyone. He explained that a good leader must possess both autocratic and democratic skills, with the wisdom to know when and how to apply each approach for the benefit of the organisation and its goals.

He further emphasized that the learning process is not always pleasant, describing it as a journey that demands humility, perseverance and endurance. According to him, meaningful growth often comes through challenges, and those who are willing to endure the process are more likely to achieve their desired goals.

The retreat provided an opportunity for reflection, learning and renewed commitment, as staff and volunteers were reminded of WACHEF’s core values and the collective responsibility required to sustain and advance the foundation’s vision.

By Christiana Babayo

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued a kidnapped victim, Alhaji Ali Adamu, during a swift operation in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Mohammed Umar, the rescue was carried out on Wednesday under Operation Lafiya Nakowa, following a distress call reporting the abduction of Alhaji Adamu, who was taken from his residence while sleeping outside the compound.

According to the statement, troops immediately mobilized and pursued the kidnappers.

It noted that on sensing the advancing soldiers, the abductors abandoned the victim in a nearby bush and fled while security operatives later reunited Alhaji Adamu with his family without ransom payment.

In a related development, local vigilantes and hunters on early morning patrol in Maraban Kunini apprehended a 30-year-old suspected kidnapper, identified as Mr. Lalau Adamu, believed to be linked to the abduction.

The suspect, who reportedly sustained injuries from mob action, was rescued by troops and taken to a medical facility for treatment, while investigation is ongoing, the statement added.

Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier-General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and local security operatives for their swift coordination, urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts to sustain peace and security in the state.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and to ridding Taraba and surrounding areas of criminal elements.

Mohammed Tikka

The Chairman of Gashaka Local Government Council, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming November 7 local government elections in Taraba State, Hon Umar Yusuf Alluran gari, has officially flagged off his campaign across the ten wards of the council area.

The campaign flag-off, which drew large crowds of party supporters, elders, and political stakeholders, marked the beginning of the PDP’s grassroots mobilization in Gashaka Local Government Area.

During the event, the chairman, accompanied by the Commissioner for Eco-Tourism, Hon. Joseph Titus Nagombe, and other party leaders, presented PDP flags to councillorship candidates contesting across the ten wards. He urged them to take the campaign to every community and mobilize support for the party’s total victory in the forthcoming polls.

The chairman charged the councillorship candidates to see themselves as representatives of the people and to remain committed to the ideals of the PDP. He also advised them to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns that would further strengthen the party’s image in the local government.

In his remarks, Commissioner Nagombe, commended the chairman for his leadership and organizational drive, noting that the PDP remains the party to beat in Taraba State. He urged all the party’s flag bearers to campaign vigorously and ensure victory for the PDP in the November elections.

Joseph Nagombe further called on the candidates to rally round Governor Agbu Kefas and give him their total support ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the governor as a visionary leader who has brought remarkable development to Taraba State.

Speaking on behalf of the councillorship candidates, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Abdu Sale, expressed gratitude to the governor and the PDP leadership for giving them the opportunity to represent the party. He pledged their collective commitment to the success of the chairman, the governor, and the PDP at all levels.

He assured that they would continue to work in unity and loyalty to advance the development agenda of the local government and sustain the dominance of the PDP in Gashaka.

The campaign train is expected to continue across all ten wards in the coming days as the PDP intensifies its preparations for the November 7 elections in Taraba State.

—

The Chairman of Gashaka Local Government Council, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming November 7 local government elections in Taraba State, Hon Umar Yusuf Alluran gari, has officially flagged off his campaign across the ten wards of the council area.

The campaign flag-off, which drew large crowds of party supporters, elders, and political stakeholders, marked the beginning of the PDP’s grassroots mobilization in Gashaka Local Government Area.

During the event, the chairman, accompanied by the Commissioner for Eco-Tourism, Hon. Joseph Titus Nagombe, and other party leaders, presented PDP flags to councillorship candidates contesting across the ten wards. He urged them to take the campaign to every community and mobilize support for the party’s total victory in the forthcoming polls.

The chairman charged the councillorship candidates to see themselves as representatives of the people and to remain committed to the ideals of the PDP. He also advised them to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns that would further strengthen the party’s image in the local government.

In his remarks, Commissioner Nagombe, commended the chairman for his leadership and organizational drive, noting that the PDP remains the party to beat in Taraba State. He urged all the party’s flag bearers to campaign vigorously and ensure victory for the PDP in the November elections.

Joseph Nagombe further called on the candidates to rally round Governor Agbu Kefas and give him their total support ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the governor as a visionary leader who has brought remarkable development to Taraba State.

Speaking on behalf of the councillorship candidates, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Abdu Sale, expressed gratitude to the governor and the PDP leadership for giving them the opportunity to represent the party. He pledged their collective commitment to the success of the chairman, the governor, and the PDP at all levels.

He assured that they would continue to work in unity and loyalty to advance the development agenda of the local government and sustain the dominance of the PDP in Gashaka.

The campaign train is expected to continue across all ten wards in the coming days as the PDP intensifies its preparations for the November 7 elections in Taraba State.

—

By Worldview Magazine

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released new guidelines to ensure the correct rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem and pledge during official and public functions.

In a notice shared on its official X handle on Friday, the agency urged Nigerians to “kindly take note of the correct protocol for the rendition and recitation of the National Anthem and Pledge,” emphasizing respect and consistency in the use of national symbols.

According to the directive, only the first stanza of the national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” should be sung or recited at official events. The third stanza, however, is to be rendered as the National Prayer at the beginning of such occasions.

The agency further clarified that all three stanzas of the anthem are reserved for special national ceremonies, including Independence Day, Presidential Inauguration, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the Inauguration of the National Assembly.

Additionally, the NOA directed that the national pledge should be recited at the end of every event.

Reiterating the importance of national pride, the agency urged Nigerians to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the national symbols.

This clarification follows the enactment of the National Anthem Bill 2024, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which reinstated “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s official anthem, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”

Mohammed Tikka

If you live in Nigeria today, especially in a place like Taraba State, you’ve probably heard sirens almost every day. Loud, sharp, and often annoying, the siren sound is supposed to mean there’s an emergency, maybe someone is dying in an ambulance or the police are rushing to stop a crime.

But sadly, that’s no longer the case, in many towns and cities across the country, sirens are no longer used for emergencies. Instead, they are used by powerful people, politicians, traditional rulers, government workers, and business owners, just to show off or clear traffic. In Taraba, it has become so common that almost every so-called “big man” now moves around with sirens blaring and escorts clearing the road ahead.

Sometimes, even second-class chiefs or personal assistants to politicians drive with convoys and sirens. Many of them are not allowed by law to use these things. But they do it anyway, and nobody stops them.

The law in Nigeria is very clear. Only a few people and vehicles are allowed to use sirens. The National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, states that only the President, Vice President, state governors and their deputies, the Senate President, the of the House of Representatives, top judges, heads of the military and police, ambulances, fire trucks, and emergency agencies on official duty are allowed to use sirens.

If you are not on this list, then you are not allowed to use a siren, no matter how rich or important you think you are. That means traditional rulers without special federal approval, local politicians, government workers, and private individuals are breaking the law if they use sirens. Even convoys for weddings and burials are not allowed to use them.

So why does this continue?

The simple answer is abuse of power. Many people use sirens not because there’s an emergency, but because they want to feel important or avoid traffic. It has become a way to show status, to make others feel small, and to act above the law.

In some cases, the police, who are supposed to stop the illegal use of sirens, are the ones escorting these convoys. They push other cars off the road, clear the way, and allow the misuse to continue without question.

This is not just wrong, it is dangerous. When sirens are used the wrong way, it affects everyone. People can no longer tell when a real emergency is happening. An ambulance carrying a patient may get stuck in traffic because nobody believes the siren is genuine. This can cost lives.

The noise from sirens has also become a serious problem. In towns and cities, the loud sound causes fear, disturbs sleep, and adds stress, especially at night. In some states like Lagos, the government has started to control noise pollution. But in many places like Taraba, the abuse continues without control.

Even though the law does not say sirens can only be used at certain times of the day, it clearly says they should only be used when there is a real reason, like an emergency or official duty. Using sirens for personal errands, meetings, parties, or simply to avoid traffic is against the law.

The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force are supposed to enforce these laws. They are allowed to seize illegal sirens, fine the offenders, and even impound their vehicles. But in reality, many of them look the other way, or even help the offenders. Some officers say they are under pressure from powerful people. Others just don’t care.

The government must take this issue seriously. Law enforcement officers should stop escorting illegal convoys and start doing their jobs. If someone is not allowed to use a siren, they should be stopped, no matter their title or position.

The public also has a role to play. People need to know the law and speak up when they see abuse. A siren is not a toy or a symbol of status. It is meant to help save lives. When it is misused, everyone is at risk.

Until things change, Nigerian roads will remain noisy, chaotic, and lawless, not because of emergencies, but because of ego, power, and the failure to respect the rules.

By Mohammed Tikka

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Abdullahi Yahya, has expressed great admiration for the impressive development taking place in Taraba State under the leadership of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.

On the second day of his official visit to the state, Comrade Yahya, accompanied by senior union executives, toured key projects in the state capital, Jalingo. The visit was led by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information, Honorable Emmanuel Bello, with support from the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Sanda.

Joining them were the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Matthew Eluid Jen, Chairman of the Correspondence Chapel, Comrade Gabriel Yough, as well as prominent media publishers Mr. Williams Ayooso of Worldview Magazine and Comrade Lynn Adda of Echo Express, alongside other top journalists in the state.

The delegation began their tour at the newly upgraded Palliatives Market, a vital center designed to support low-income earners by providing affordable food and goods. The market stood out as a symbol of the state’s commitment to social welfare.

Next, they visited the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, a critical institution for training healthcare professionals. The college has seen significant improvements, providing modern facilities to better equip students for their future roles.

One of the highlights of the visit was the innovative Green House, where the team observed modern agricultural practices in action. Alhaji Yahya took a special interest in the cucumber plantation, examining the healthy crops and asking questions about the project’s impact on local farming and job creation.

Other notable figures on the tour included the NUJ National Deputy President Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, executives from the national headquarters, and the Adamawa State NUJ Chairman. They all expressed delight at the level of progress and described the projects as both impressive and impactful.

After completing the tour, Comrade Abdullahi Yahya spoke to journalists and said he was deeply impressed by the scale and quality of infrastructure being put in place by Governor Kefas’ administration. He commended the governor’s visionary leadership, especially his focus on critical sectors like education and agriculture.

The NUJ President particularly praised the governor’s bold initiative to make education free and compulsory across Taraba State. He called the move revolutionary and noted its potential to change the lives of children and families, especially in rural areas where access to education is often limited.

In his remarks to journalists, Alhaji Yahya also urged media professionals in Taraba to uphold the highest standards of ethics in their work. He emphasized the importance of honesty, dignity, and responsibility in journalism.

He reminded journalists of their crucial role in society as watchdogs and truth-tellers, who help promote transparency and accountability in government. According to him, responsible journalism is key to supporting positive change and good governance.

As the tour came to an end, it was clear that the NUJ leadership would left Taraba with a renewed sense of optimism and respect for the state’s development efforts. The progress witnessed was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Governor Agbu Kefas and his team.

Taraba State is steadily rising under this committed leadership, showing the power of visionary governance and community-focused projects to transform lives and build a brighter future.