Taraba State is facing a severe financial crisis, with allegations of widespread mismanagement and diversion of state resources under Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas. The state treasury is reportedly empty, and government activities have come to a standstill, leaving essential services and infrastructure projects abandoned.

Governor Kefas’s absence from the state for over three months has fueled speculations of a deep financial crisis. Observers point to the suspension of all ongoing projects and the state’s ballooning debt profile as clear indicators of fiscal mismanagement.

Despite securing over N250 billion in bank loans during his first 18 months in office, there is little to show in terms of tangible development. Contractors have abandoned key projects, including the remodeling of the Government House, the construction of a Trade Fair complex, and the renovation of state institutions.

Danjuma

The question on every Taraban’s lips is simple: Where is the N250 billion? Allegations suggest the funds have been diverted for personal enrichment and political patronage. It is alleged that N100 billion of the loans were funneled back to Governor Kefas’s political godfather, a retired general from the state.

Governor Kefas has dismissed his critics as impatient, stating, “I heard people complaining that I am not working and not executing projects. Such people are just in a hurry. What I am doing now is laying a foundation for incoming governors to build on.”

However, Hon. Emmanuel Bello, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, vehemently denied claims of financial mismanagement. “Taraba is not broke. I don’t know how anyone can say that. Our IGR has improved considerably due to the hard work of the sagacious governor and his team.”

Despite these reassurances, the people of Taraba remain skeptical, demanding transparency and accountability from an administration they once believed held the promise of transformation.