We read with disbelief a piece which recently appeared in some sections of the media. Entitled “Has Taraba missed it again?”, it was a vicious and ferocious take down of the performing administration of Dr Agbu Kefas in Taraba state. It wasn’t signed but it said it is the views of a mysterious and amorphous “Tarabans in Diaspora”.
This is laughable because this writer also knows many people who live abroad and look back home to see what’s happening. That view doesn’t represent anyone I know of. In their very candid opinion, Taraba now has a governor who understands what the jobs requires. He has the character and composure too for a leader.
But back to the piece. The long write up could be summed up in one sentence: “the jaundiced submission of biased opponents”. The attempt at critical analysis was dwarfed by the emotional outburst and unsubstantiated claims. When, for instance, the writer queried Governor Kefas trips to embassies based in Abuja, I instinctively knew this was penned in bad faith. People who live abroad should commend a governor who understands the global dimension to local development initiatives.
But let’s try and go over some of the salient points raised:
APPOINTMENTS
The writers accused the governor of being slow to appoint Special Advisers and Board Members. They also queried his choice of young people as commissioners. It is comical to say this because the governor is getting serious commendations for injecting young people into government. He’s getting praise for not allowing young people wait endlessly to become “leaders of tomorrow”. I don’t know of anyone against this move apart from the ghostly writer of the misleading piece. Kefas cabinet is a reflection of what is happening globally thesedays: the take over by the generation mostly affected by governance (youths). It’s not just youths, women too have been given an opportunity and platform in a manner never done before in Taraba state. He should get props for these and not knocks.
Above all, taking his time to pick the best shouldn’t be criticized. What if he rushes the exercise and ends up having the wrong team? They would still blame him for rushing the process. Caution and careful selection should be seen as a good thing.
FREE EDUCATION
The petitioners are wondering how Governor Agbu Kefas would fund the free education policy of the MovingForward agenda. They said in an era when school fees are being increased, Kefas is slashing fees. First and foremost, Kefas has been receiving glowing reviews all over the world for his passion for free education. Parents and students alike are grateful for the reduction in fees especially with tye current hardship. In any case, Kefas also recognizes the challenges this gigantic project would be confronting. He is not living in denials. He tells everyone that it won’t be easy but still doable. Right now, his energies are geared towards dealing with those hiccups in a policy that is loved by all. He has met with virtually all the stakeholders in the education sector so this wasn’t jumped on anyone. As for funding, the governor believes that his efforts to tap into the solid mineral sectors and other revenue generating sectors will help fund the policy. He believes that international partners will also support the worthwhile move. He believes that it is better to start something than forever wait to the right time.
MEETING EMBASSIES
The accusations that Governor Kefas goes to embassies alot is, to me, the most pernicious take down of the piece. Let me hurriedly say these efforts are not social visits. Each one of those visits are anchored on particular needs of the state. The governor normally takes the relevant ministries along to interface with global leaders on the need for funding and other institutional supports. Some of the Foriegn partners are already in Taraba state doing some good works in the areas of construction, health, education, agriculture, others. Many have also pledged their supports. It is all for Taraba state. The meetings afford the partners to see upclose the seriousness and commitment of Governor Kefas. As we speak, many of those countries have signed up and are very willing to assist Taraba state in various areas. These include clear cut financial supports, capacity building, employment and growth generally.
WASTEFULNESS.
You probably can’t find a more shrewd manager of resources than Governor Kefas. His character as a person has cut off most of the rasmatazz and ostentatiousness of power. He eschews show offs and unnecessary luxury. He hasn’t changed abit from the lifestyle he was used to as a private citizen: modest, reticent and prudent. His aides are often times taken aback with his simplicity. Compare this with others who have invested in buying private jets and choppers, some not even in use today. Besides, none of the trips done with private jets or any other means of transportation are done for personal reasons. It’s all for the good of our dear state. Actions should be measured by their motives.
NOT STAYING IN JALINGO.
Again, the governor does not travel to see family and friends on those trips. He’s not on a jamboree. The state and the citizenry are the direct beneficiaries of all the trips. What is more, these are tough times and both the Federal and State governments have to constantly work together. Governor Kefas, who enjoys the confidence of the top hierarchy of his party and the Presidency, often gets called for functions. Meanwhile, with the right team in place, Governor Agbu Kefas, knows the state is in safe hands when he is out of town. This is like accusing a bread winner of not being a home stayer. What shall anyone gain by having a Chief Executive who does not go out to do the needful- activities geared towards enriching the state? Of what use is just hanging in the state when collaborations, synergy and other forms of interface with institutions will benefit us more? Moreover, modern technology has made it easy for Chief Executives to work from various places. Files can be treated from a distance. Meetings can be arranged. Directives can be given. Monitoring too is made easy by the touch of a button. It is almost anachronistic to stay in one place all the time.
ENDLESS RETREATS.
The retreats are not endless. There have been only two outside the state so far. No knowledge is wasted and seeking new lights is not wrong. The retreat held in Abuja, for example, for the newly sworn in team at the Nigerian Army Resource Center, is still being talked about. It was as historic as it was exceptional. Apart from capacity building, these trainings assist in placing the state in a position to attract funding. It emphasizes the seriousness and focus Kefas places on expertise and efficiency. No commissioner, for instance, can now say they haven’t received the necessary tools for performance.
MANAGERIAL SKILLS
How anyone can accuse Governor Agbu Kefas of not possessing the managerial skills to run the state beats my imagination. For the avoidance of doubt, Kefas comes to this job with over two decades of managing men and materials in even the theater of conflicts. A man who has headed federal government outfits such as NIMASA can not be said to be a learner in administrative matters. At the state level, he has been Chairman of the party before successfully running for office himself. His trainings in the Army and the Intelligence Corp he belongs to were all preparatory grounds for leadership.
In conclusion
Governor Agbu Kefas is just in his fifth month as the helmsman. Those familiar with the history of his emergence and the dramas of the transition that produced him, will appreciate better the steps he has so far taken to stabilize a very agitated state. They will appreciate further his efforts at restoring faith in governance by practically starting from scratch. He is re-molding a new Taraba state build on partnership, synergy, data and modern technology. Some of this would take time for maturation and some of the benefits will become manifest with time. But what many have since agreed on is his sincerity of purpose, his focus and his boundless energies as he pursues the Moving Forward agenda.
Emmanuel Bello
Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas