By Sani Yarima
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has expressed concern over the deteriorating state of affairs in Taraba State, citing the ruling party, PDP, as the cause of the State’s downfall.
According to a press release signed by the PRP leader in Taraba State, Engr Josiah Wukari Wasa alleged that the PDP has implemented unpopular and self-serving policies that have led to a decline in socio-economic development in the State.
Engr. Wasa, who was the PRP candidate in the 2023 governorship elections that produced PDP’s Dr. Agbu Kefas as Governor, accused Agbu’s PDP-led administration of perpetuating the damage caused by former Governor Darius Ishaku, which has pushed the State to the brink of infamy.
Engr. Wukari Wasa called on the PDP leadership at both the State and National levels to caution Governor Agbu Kefas against endangering Taraba State’s socio-economic stability.
He further stated that the PDP has been gradually destroying the State for close to two decades, with successive PDP governors failing to provide clear policy direction and good leadership.
Furthermore, Engr. Wukari Wasa criticized Governor Agbu Kefas’ policy direction, stating that it has left Taraba people disappointed with his abysmal performance, which has done nothing but continue the retrogressive project that former Governor Darius Ishaku left behind.
He noted that the State has become more divided along ethnic and religious lines, with self-serving policies causing people to abandon unity, brotherhood, and tolerance.
Engr. Wukari Wasa emphasized that governance should prioritize progress, development, welfare, and the protection of life and property.
However, the PDP-led government in Taraba State has fallen short of these criteria, especially in the education sector, which is a crucial area of focus for the administration.
Engr. Wukari Wasa lamented that public schools in the State were overcrowded, with compromised standards and facilities overwhelmed, leading to a decline in staff morale.
Despite the so-called free education program, pupils are crammed into classrooms, mostly in dilapidated infrastructures, without uniforms or furniture, with concerns for health and human dignity.
The promised provision of uniforms and learning facilities for pupils in primary and secondary schools has remained unfulfilled, with no hope of redemption anytime soon.
Engr. Wukari Wasa also described the governor’s position on a traditional matter as insensitive, stating that it could lead to chaos and defeat the purposes and values of governance.
He expressed concern that creating new stools and chiefdoms would deplete Taraba’s resources further, as traditional rulers receive their remuneration by way of tributes from their subjects.
In conclusion, Engr. Wukari Wasa called for good leadership and the empowerment of the people, emphasizing the need for development and a united Taraba State that prioritizes progress over personal interests.
He urged the PDP-led government to desist from dividing people and causing chaos, as this would serve no purpose but to worsen the already dire situation in the State.
In response to the allegations, the State Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Hon. Zainab Usman Jalingo described it as baseless.
She pointed out that within the one year in office of Governor Agbu Kefas, he was able to bring unity among the people including stakeholders, and even from the opposition parties for the development of the State which she said is his priority.
According to Hon. Zainab Usman Jalingo, Governor Agbu Kefas is a Man of principles who matches his words with action and nothing would distract him and his lieutenants from continuing the good work he has embarked on of the Moving Forward Agenda of his administration and urged the people of the State to continue praying for the present government to succeed in transforming the state.
She has highlighted that in Governor Kefas’ tenure of one year, he has successfully united people, including stakeholders and opposition parties, towards the common goal of state development, which he has prioritized.
Hon. Zainab Usman Jalingo has described Governor Agbu Kefas as a principled man who matches his words with action, and who is committed to seeing through the Moving Forward Agenda of his administration, without any distractions.
She has urged the people of the State to continue praying for the present government to succeed in transforming the state.
The Commissioner has pointed out that Governor Kefas’ transformation agenda has had a significant impact, as evidenced by the fact that many children who were previously out of school are now able to attend school, thanks to the governor’s
