Gov. Kefas quoted out of context in the Tiv interactive session, – Barr Jime
By Mohammed Tikka
A frontline politician and Senior Special Adviser to Governor Kefas on Legal Matters, Barrister Jime Yongo has denied the news trending in the socio-media space that the Governor of Taraba, Dr Agbu Kefas told the Tiv of Taraba State he did not care about the crisis that is consuming their lives in Takum and other parts of the State.
Barrister Jime Yongo made the clarification in a rejoinder to the media reports, a copy of which was given to Worldview Magazine. He was particular on the version published on facebook by one Musa Jankada, even as he described as a piece of mal-information.
According to him, the mal-information portrayed that Governor Kefas was insensitive and hostile to the Tiv people of the State, whereas it was a heart-to-heart discussion, between a father and his children, which was full of assurances for a better tomorrow, closing the gaps of ethnic distrust, among other issues of mutual family interest.
Barr. Jime said his clarification has become necessary in the interest of truth, public clarity, and the collective pursuit of peace.
“On Wednesday, 24 December 2025, Tiv traditional leaders, political appointees, women and youth leaders from Wukari Local Government Area paid a traditional Christmas homage to His Excellency at TY Danjuma House, Wukari, during the Governor’s Christmas visit to his hometown.
“I was privileged to serve as the leader of the Tiv delegation and was physically present throughout the engagement.
“The interaction between the Governor and the Tiv people was cordial, respectful, and marked by warmth, humour, and mutual goodwill. At no point did His Excellency make statements suggesting hatred, indifference, or disregard for the lives and wellbeing of Tiv people. Rather, his remarks were repeatedly met with applause, cheers, and visible affirmation from those present.
Barr Jime Yongo described as deeply unfortunate an engagement intended to strengthen trust, unity, and peaceful coexistence has been selectively interpreted and mischievously presented in a manner that distorts both its spirit and content.
“For the avoidance of doubt, careful and repeated listening to the audio recording of the Governor’s address confirms that His Excellency never stated that he “does not care” about the killings of Tiv people, nor did he declare any form of non-intervention. Instead, he made a clear and heartfelt call for collective responsibility in the pursuit of peace” He stated.
He quoted Governor Agbu Kefas as saying that “I welcome all of you, our brothers… All of us need peace, and nobody can sell this peace to us, and we cannot go and buy it; we need to create it by ourselves through compromise, negotiation, persuasion and prayers.”
“We need to create the peace for ourselves. Nobody can sell peace to us. Nobody from somewhere can give us peace. We need to work for peace through compromise, negotiation, dialogue, persuasion and prayers. I am a Jukun man, but Governor of all, so I am wearing two caps.”
According to Barr Jime Yongo, these statements clearly underscore inclusiveness, shared responsibility, and the Governor’s commitment to governing Taraba State without ethnic or religious bias.
In further illustration of his personal commitment to unity and equity, His Excellency stated:
“I have Tiv people I am catering for, paying their school fees. I have sent one of them to London; I have not sent any of my family members to study in London.” Barrister Jime quoted Dr. Governor’s remarks during the interaction.
On issues of land, leadership, and coexistence, the Governor explained:
“There is no Tiv man that will not go back to where they were living, but we need cooperation and time… As a government, if there is need to take land from people, I must provide a better alternative… I want us to live together. Let us learn how to trust ourselves. We don’t trust each other. Someone must take the risk to lead the unity process. Let us sit down and change our approach.”
Barr. Jime referred to Gov Kefas remarks and stressed that they reflect a call for patience, dialogue, trust-building, and reconciliation rather than confrontation.
“His Excellency also outlined concrete actions already taken by his administration, including the deployment of security forces, particularly the military, following the unfortunate incident in Chanchanji, Takum Local Government Area. It is on record that security presence has been sustained in Chanchanji and other flashpoints to restore calm and prevent further escalation. Tiv elders who visited Chanchanji during the Christmas period have independently confirmed the seriousness with which the crisis is being addressed.
Barr Jime Yongo, noted that the Governor further explained that the establishment of military Forward Operating Bases in Wukari, Karim Lamido and Nigeria-Cameroon border are aimed at blocking security leakages along the borders with Benue, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, and Cameroon, and not for land grabbing or discrimination against any group.
“It must therefore be stated categorically that the claim attributed to His Excellency, suggesting indifference or non-intervention is a gross misrepresentation of facts, an imaginary fabrication, and a dangerous piece of misinformation that should be disregarded by all fair-minded and peace-loving citizens.” He added.
Barr Jime Yongo believes that at this delicate moment, Taraba State requires restraint, truthfulness, and responsible communication from all stakeholders. Peace in the state remains a shared responsibility, and no individual or group should be allowed to undermine ongoing efforts through misinformation, inflammatory narratives, or reckless publications.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard reports that inflame suspicion and deepen divisions. “He stated.