Governor Kefas's Unique Romance with Taraba's National Assembly Caucus

 

By Ibrahim Gaddafi Tanko

 

There is an interesting dimension to the governance approach adopted by Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, particularly as it relates to his unique relationship with the state's contingent in the National Assembly.

 

Watching closely, I have noticed a genuine desire to engage legislators and cross-pollinate ideas for the benefit of our state. This collaborative approach is yielding positive results and setting a new standard for governance.

 

The first inkling I got that the governor would be inclusive in his leadership style was in the early days of his administration, shortly after the inauguration of his cabinet. A training and induction exercise was designed for top state government officials at the Nigerian Army Resource Center in Abuja.

 

What we thought would be strictly an affair for state honchos, however, extended beyond that, as federal legislators were also invited to digest the vision and mission of where His Excellency wanted the state to be. This marked a significant departure from the past.

 

From then on, I knew we were on the threshold of a new Taraba, unlike anything seen before. Close watchers of Taraba State politics say it has never been so good, with the exception of Danbaba Suntai's administration, which began to conceptualize the idea of an ideal working situation with Abuja-based lawmakers.

 

Previous administrations perpetually lived in suspicion of these lawmakers, treating them as outcasts and competitors, trying to clip their wings at every opportunity. But that's not the case with Governor Kefas.

 

Beyond including legislators in the scheme of things at the state level and holding regular meetings in Abuja and Jalingo, to assess progress recorded, Governor Kefas has gone ahead to procure operational vehicles for them.

 

He says this is to equip them for the task ahead, emphasizing that these are not luxury vehicles but tools to advance Taraba's goals in Abuja. 

 

Accompanying my boss Rep. Sadiq Abbas Tafida to a meeting convened by Governor Kefas at the TY Danjuma House on Tuesday, The location itself now looks fresh, new, and glowing.

 

The last time I was there during the previous administration, it was a dungeon of sorts, with buildings falling apart and looking very unkept, unsuitable, and unhabitable for the conduct of Government business.

 

To put it straight, that building was a bad image of our state in Abuja, casting us as unserious people without leadership. However, to Governor Kefas' credit, old things have moved away, giving way for the new.

 

So I was left in awe by the warm camaraderie exhibited by the Governor, pampering and tendering the lawmakers. Exchanging frank views towards the meaningful development of our state.

 

From the demeanor of the state leaders and the sense of urgency pervading the atmosphere, I saw a governor Kefas who clearly and cleverly understands the Country's federalist system.

 

This system puts members of the National Assembly at a pivotal position, thus ultimately partnering with them to attract progress and development for our dear state.

 

At this juncture, it is important to state that the federal lawmakers themselves deserve commendation for holding firm the hands of fellowship extended across party lines.

 

The current genuine commitment exemplified by the Governor shows that the progress and development of Taraba transcend filial, political, and ethnic divides.

 

 

Gaddafi writes from Abuja and can be reached at Gaddafi_i@yahoo.com