Governor Kefas Met A Heavily Indebted Taraba State, But He Kept Quiet- Former Local Government Chairman, Hon Musa Abershi Writes

·         Says Former Governor Ishaku Took 'Dangerous Loans'

 

When Dr. Agbu Kefas assumed office as Governor of Taraba State in 2023, he inherited a state deeply entrenched in debt—both at the state level and across the sixteen local government areas. The previous administration, led by Arc. Darius Ishaku, had plunged the state into significant debt obligations, with repayment plans stretching over 30 months—more than half the duration of a four-year tenure.

 

Governor Ishaku's administration was characterized by unrestrained borrowing. In many cases, local government chairmen were compelled to sign off on loans with short and aggressive repayment terms. This left whoever would take over in 2023—whether it was Dr. Kefas or another—grappling with immense financial constraints from the onset.

 

While many citizens celebrated the end of the Ishaku administration and welcomed the new government with hope, those of us privy to the state's dire financial position felt apprehensive. Some of us were even signatories to the loans in question, so we understood the full scale of the debt crisis. The critical question remains: how do you govern effectively when over 30 of the 48 months of your tenure are tied to debt repayments?

 

Even a financial genius like Elon Musk would struggle under such conditions.

 

Taraba faces numerous challenges: dilapidated roads, widespread insecurity, persistent herder-farmer conflicts, and rising cases of kidnapping and banditry. Unfortunately, funds that should be addressing these issues are being used to service inherited debts. In turn, this has forced the current administration to take on new loans just to manage old ones—a vicious cycle. 

 

Let me say "Dr. Kefas is trying to fill a hole dug by someone else by digging another hole to find sand—only to be left with yet another hole."

 

One major misstep of the current government is its failure to adequately inform the public about the scale of debt it inherited. Transparency is crucial. Just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his ministers openly attributed some of today's economic challenges to decisions made by the Buhari administration, Governor Kefas must also speak up. When the public is kept in the dark, it's difficult for them to appreciate the efforts of the current administration.

 

That said, Dr. Kefas is the governor, and the buck stops at his desk. That's why he has taken bold steps, such as initiating the Economic and Investment Summit—an open call to investors to help rescue and grow Taraba's economy.

 

The governor is also working hard to ensure that salaries and wages of civil servants are paid regularly. As a former civil servant, I understand the hardship that comes with unpaid salaries. The civil service remains the engine of governance, and in a state like Taraba—where most families rely on government wages—workers' welfare cannot be compromised.

 

What the governor needs now are prayers, constructive advice, and sound economic strategies—not a barrage of politically motivated criticism fueled by ambitions for the 2027 elections. It's disheartening that many critics ignore the progress being made in the last two years, particularly the free education policy. From free primary and secondary education to 50% reduction in all higher institutions tuition for Taraba indigenes

 

The ongoing construction of classroom blocks across the state, expansion of healthcare facilities 

 

 

Unless we examine the failures of the past, we will never fully appreciate the efforts being made today.

 

That said, the recent appointment of nearly 2,000 individuals into political offices may exacerbate the state's financial strain. The government must urgently intensify its efforts in revenue generation and plug leakages to ensure sustainable development and meet growing demands.

 

Taraba deserves a future beyond debt—and with the right support, strategy, and sincerity, it's achievable.

 

Hon Musa Abershi is a former chairman of Ussa Local government, writes from Jalingo