Rumples Over Alleged ₦10m Cash Gift to Protesting Ghost Workers in Jalingo

• Youth Stakeholders Deny Allegations Against Gara Nongha

Controversy has erupted in Taraba State following conflicting claims over an alleged ₦10 million cash gift said to have been approved by Governor Agbu Kefas for unpaid workers who protested in Jalingo on November 6, 2025.

The protest, which began in the morning at FMC Junction and later moved to TY Danjuma House, Government House, Jalingo, was staged by individuals described as "alleged ghost workers," demanding payment of four months' unpaid entitlements. The demonstration lasted several hours before dispersing in the late afternoon.

At the centre of the dispute are allegations that the governor released ₦10 million as relief for the protesters and handed the funds to Hon. Gara Nongha for onward distribution.

 Critics claim that only a fraction of the money was shared, raising questions about the whereabouts of the balance.

One of the protesters' supporters, Yamujeh Usman Ba'aga, who identified himself as a concerned citizen and political analyst, said he participated in the protest but rejected claims of mass cash distribution. According to him, fewer than 100 people took part in the demonstration and not all remained until the end.

Ba'aga alleged that small sums were shared unevenly among protesters, with some receiving ₦10,000, while others were given between ₦2,000 and ₦3,000. He said he refused to collect any money, insisting that the protest was about unpaid entitlements, not handouts.

"I warned them to reject the money and insist on their four months' salaries, but hunger took over," Ba'aga said, adding that he left the Government House in anger over what he described as misconduct by some protesters and their leaders. He also called on Gara Nongha to publicly account for whatever funds were allegedly received and distributed, stressing that leadership demanded transparency.

However, the allegations were sharply dismissed by supporters of Gara Nongha and other commentators. In a public clarification issued by Nuvalga Kelvin Hosea described claims that ₦10 million was given to Gara Nongha as "false," insisting that no such money was released by the governor.

"The claim that Governor Agbu Kefas gave ₦10,000,000 to alleged ghost workers on November 6, 2025, and that Gara Nongha diverted it, is false," the statement read. "No such money was released or given to Gara Nongha or anyone else, so there was nothing to divert."

The statement challenged one of the accusers, Abdulmumin Imam, to provide proof or publicly retract the allegation within 24 hours, warning that legal action would follow if he failed to do so. It also argued that freedom of expression did not extend to defamation and that unsubstantiated public accusations could cause lasting reputational damage.

Despite the denial, critics continue to demand clarification, arguing that if relief funds were approved, the manner of distribution lacked transparency. They insist that the public deserves to know whether any money was released, how much was shared, and to whom.