Let Us Be Fair to Governor Agbu Kefas

By Umar A. Umar
 

There are moments in public discourse when silence ceases to be neutral—it becomes a betrayal. Not just of conscience, but of generations to come. In such times, speaking out is no longer about politics; it becomes a moral obligation.

This is why I write—not as a political appointee, and certainly not in search of recognition. I write as a concerned Taraban, deeply invested in the trajectory of our state, and as someone who has monitored the governance journey of Taraba State for years.

Like many citizens, I share in the pain and frustration that comes with hardship. I am not blind to the discontent. But I am also cautious. Fairness demands that we do not compare a barely two-year-old administration to one that spent eight years in office—especially an administration that inherited mountains of debt and poor financial planning, including short-term loans contracted with little long-term vision.

Let me admit upfront: I am human. I have been hurt politically. I have held grudges. And yes, at times I've criticized harshly—perhaps even unfairly. But personal experience has taught me that our perspectives must not become weapons for vengeance or misrepresentation.

The truth is, the hopes vested in Governor Agbu Kefas were enormous, and understandably so. But where some see disappointment, I see a disconnect—one driven largely by insufficient public engagement and communication. It is not that nothing is being done; it's that not enough has been explained.

For instance, the much-discussed bond allegedly worth N300 billion is a financial instrument misunderstood by many. It is not cash handed over to the state government. It is a guarantee for specific developmental purposes. Mischaracterizing it to push a narrative of looting or misappropriation is not only misleading—it reveals a deeper, possibly political intent.

A lot of money has gone into completing abandoned or rushed projects left behind by previous administrations. It takes political maturity and selflessness to continue another administration's legacy without seeking to erase it. And that's exactly what this government is doing. Many of these projects are now springing to life—serving the very people they were originally meant for.

Even states with strong internally generated revenues borrow. Borrowing in itself is not a crime. It is what is done with the funds that matters. In Taraba, there is visible ongoing investment in healthcare and education. Primary health care facilities across the 16 local governments are being upgraded. These may not be headline-grabbing projects, but they are life-changing for the average Taraban.

Take the Danbaba Suntai Airport, for example. Critics have called the ongoing upgrades a misplaced priority. But I ask: why is expanding air connectivity in a landlocked state considered wasteful? The project was not initiated by Governor Kefas, but he has seen its potential—and he is building on it. Beyond economic opportunities, there are practical benefits, such as easing pilgrim airlifts. Vision is sometimes about preparing for needs that are not yet obvious to the loudest critics.

The fight against illegal mining—a scourge that once flourished unchecked—is another silent achievement. Through a well-thought-out Executive Order and a dedicated task force led by General Faransa, the government is asserting control over our natural resources while tackling environmental degradation. Progress is being made, even if it's not on the front page.

Agriculture is not left out. With free fertilizers and farming tools distributed, and a strong policy framework, the sector is gradually modernizing. More significantly, the free education policy has reduced the financial pressure on families and is driving increased school enrollment. These are policies designed for impact over time—not overnight miracles.

Insecurity remains a national issue, and Taraba is not exempt. However, the situation is more stable today than it was before this administration took office. The Governor's direct engagements with stakeholders in conflict-prone areas show leadership that is hands-on and proactive.

In sum, while there is room for improvement, there is also undeniable progress. Fair criticism is essential in a democracy. But so is fairness itself.

Governor Agbu Kefas may not have fulfilled every promise yet—but to say he has done nothing is simply untrue. We owe it to ourselves and our state to judge leadership not just by noise or emotion, but by facts and context.

Let us be fair—to truth, to history, and to Governor Agbu Kefas.

Umar A. Umar is the Coordinator of the Governor Agbu Kefas Independent Strategic Communication Group.