Bwacha Camp Slams Kefas’ Vanguard Award, Calls It “Premature and Misleading”

 The media office of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha has questioned the credibility of the recent “Good Governance Award” conferred on Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas by Vanguard Media Limited, describing the recognition as premature and disconnected from realities on ground.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Joshua Y. Nafinji, the office argued that awards should be anchored on measurable impact rather than what it termed “aspirational narratives.”

The statement raised concerns over infrastructure claims attributed to the Kefas administration, noting that while township road rehabilitation and rural connectivity projects have been publicised, the lived experiences of residents across Jalingo, Wukari, Kurmi, Karim-Lamido and other parts of the state suggest otherwise. It cited instances of uncompleted projects, rapidly deteriorating roads, and communities that remain inaccessible during peak rainy seasons.

“Good governance is not about commissioning ceremonies; it is about durability, access, and economic value delivered over time,” the statement read.

On healthcare, the Bwacha media office questioned claims of revitalised primary healthcare centres, pointing to persistent shortages of personnel, essential drugs, and functional equipment. It added that maternal and child health indicators remain troubling, particularly in rural areas where access challenges persist.

The statement also queried the effectiveness of education reforms under the current administration, arguing that the introduction of free education has not translated into improved quality. It highlighted concerns over overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching staff, and uneven infrastructure development.

“Access without quality is not reform; it is postponement of failure,” the statement noted.

In the area of agriculture and economic development, the office maintained that despite Taraba’s vast potential, farmers continue to face challenges including limited access to inputs, poor market structures, and weak value-chain systems. It argued that existing initiatives have yet to produce the level of structural transformation required to justify national recognition.

The media office further questioned the broader criteria used in determining “good governance,” insisting that transparency, measurable improvements in living standards, institutional strength, and public trust should form the benchmark.

“If these are the criteria, then the award appears, at best, premature and, at worst, a reflection of perception management rather than performance,” the statement said.

Presenting Senator Bwacha as an alternative, the statement outlined his governance approach as one focused on data-driven decision-making, accountability, and institutional reforms. It listed key priorities under a potential Bwacha administration to include evidence-based infrastructure development, functional healthcare systems, quality education reform, agricultural industrialisation, and transparent governance mechanisms.

The statement concluded with a call for introspection, stressing that recognition should follow demonstrable results.

“Taraba State deserves more than well-written citations; it deserves leadership that converts potential into measurable progress. Until then, such awards risk being seen not as honours earned but as narratives constructed,” it added.