By Uhuru Samuel Adaji, Jalingo
As Governor Agbu Kefas approaches his second year in office, anxiety is mounting among residents of Taraba State over several abandoned development projects reportedly worth billions of naira.
Members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and other concerned citizens have accused the governor of sidelining critical infrastructure in favour of luxury-focused projects that serve only a privileged few within his administration.
Alhaji Hassan Ardo Jika, a former Nigerian envoy to Trinidad and Tobago, criticized what he described as the governor’s misplaced priorities. He cited the heavy investments in Suntai Airport in Jalingo—used mainly by the governor and top officials—as well as the completion of exclusive government facilities such as the TY Danjuma Houses in Jalingo, Abuja, and Wukari, the governor’s hometown.
“How many ordinary citizens can afford a flight ticket of nearly N200,000 from Jalingo to Abuja?” Jika asked. “Meanwhile, the Namnai Bridge, which collapsed during the last rainy season and remains a lifeline for daily commuters, is still neglected. The governor doesn’t use that road, so it seems it’s not a priority.”
Echoing these sentiments, APC chieftain Ambassador Rikwensi Muri listed a number of high-profile projects that have stalled, including the reconstruction of the Jalingo Trade Fair Complex, the Jalingo Trailer Park, Wukari International Yam Market, Jalingo Abattoir, Wukari-Chinkai Road, and the Jalingo Palliative Market. He said many of these projects have been inactive for over six months, with contractors abandoning their sites.
According to Muri, the governor has failed to fulfil many of his campaign promises from the 2023 elections. “The few completed projects appear designed to enhance his own comfort rather than benefit the general population,” he said. “All critical projects meant to improve the lives of everyday citizens have been left in limbo.”
Muri added that as May 29 approaches, residents are watching closely to see whether any meaningful projects will be completed and commissioned to mark the anniversary.
In defence of the administration, the governor’s media adviser, Hon. Emmanuel Bello released a statement titled “Two Years Report Card of Gov. Kefas, “asserting that the government has made significant strides in rebuilding the state.
According to Bello, Governor Kefas has led with “humility, transparency, the fear of God, and a deep love for the people.” He highlighted achievements such as improved security, free education, salary payments, road construction, airport upgrades, support for farmers through tractors, and efforts to revamp the health sector.
Despite the growing criticism, the governor maintains that his administration is on the right path toward sustainable development and better governance.