Benjamin Bako, the national coordinator of the Agbu Kefas 100% Group, has called for fact-driven discourse in assessing developments in the Taraba state, urging critics—particularly disgruntled politicians—to acknowledge visible progress under the present administration.
Bako, in a statement, expressed concern that some politicians with vested interests are deliberately misinforming the public to further their own agendas. He described such actions as misleading and counterproductive to the growth and unity of the state.
He highlighted key achievements of the Kefas administration, particularly in the areas of security and education. According to him, before the governor assumed office, Taraba was plagued by insecurity, with banditry and kidnappings affecting eight out of 16 local government areas, including Jalingo, the state capital.
“The situation was so dire that even a serving member of the State Assembly was abducted and died in captivity. Entire communities in Ussa and parts of Takum were displaced and living in refugee camps,” Bako said. “However, thanks to proactive security measures, peace has returned to these affected areas.”
On education, he noted that Governor Kefas had introduced free education from primary to secondary school, alongside a 50 per cent tuition reduction for students in all state-owned tertiary institutions. He described the initiative as “a bold step that is already reducing the burden on parents and promoting mass literacy.”
Bako also pointed to the completion of the Ussa General Hospital, which had been abandoned for 18 years, as a landmark achievement of the Kefas administration.
“Leadership is not about perfection; it is about commitment and action,” he said. “On security and education alone, Governor Kefas has demonstrated a clear commitment to the welfare of the Taraba people.”
Bako, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship flagbearer for Takum Local Government Area, urged critics to prioritise fairness and accuracy when discussing Taraba’s progress.
“Let us give credit where it is due and recognise the visible efforts of Governor Kefas in addressing critical issues affecting the state. By doing so, we can foster a more informed and nuanced discussion,” he added.
