Opinion: Council Polls Wins, Gov Kefas Consolidates Power

The freshly concluded local council polls in Taraba state where the PDP cleared all the Local Government Areas, did more than just reveal the dominance of the party, it also painted, in bright colours, the political acumen of Governor Agbu Kefas. And coming on the heels of his feat at the Bayelsa state election, Kefas is fast emerging as a powerhouse of great note and clearing doubts both at the national, state and local levels.

But then even his own emergence as a governor of Taraba state came with it all the drama and turbulence of the political life. It was a starting point, an incubator that has seen him winning many more political battles. 

For those who thought the reticent soldier turn politician will not make deft political decisions, the local governments polls has made them rethink their assumptions. They are now seeing him for what he truly is: a master chess player; a power broker and a shrewd deal maker.

Governor Kefas is clearly bringing to bear on democracy all he learnt in the trenches of war and military institutions. Those who have underestimated him have since reviewed their stance. They have also taken note of his sagacity, swiftness, and toughness. A power architect, everyone is enthralled as Kefas continue to silently design and build his structure. Those who harbour fears that established politicians will outwit the young man have since changed their position! Governor Kefas is his own man who is not afraid to take the hard decision at the drop the hat. 

And in the just finished election, all the fears that the ever aggressive opposition may pull a fast one on the simple man, dissipated in an instant. The PDP not only dominated, the exercise itself was peaceful with virtually everyone accepting the outcomes. The governor have always believed that a vibrant chairmanship structure at the local level is the best way to go in developing the state. He does not believe in the imposition of care takers: an easy route many have taken in the past. He said elected council officials will best translate his Moving Forward agenda. Clearly, the best days of the local governments are here.