The Taraba State Government has denied allegations that Governor Agbu Kefas diverted over ₦100 billion to a retired general
In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Usman, described the claims as “outright falsehoods with no factual basis.”
She clarified that the governor had not handed over such an amount to any individual for any reason.
Instead, she explained that the government is repaying loans inherited from previous administrations while making significant progress in infrastructure and service delivery.
The statement also dismissed allegations that local government intervention funds had been misappropriated.
“Just last week, the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs released funds to local government councils for developmental projects in their areas,” Usman said.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom but urged journalists to prioritize professionalism, accuracy, and ethical reporting over spreading falsehoods.
Highlighting security improvements under Kefas’s leadership, Usman noted that Taraba had previously suffered from severe insecurity, with bandits operating openly in Jalingo, the state capital.
She credited the administration’s provision of patrol vehicles, logistics, and intelligence resources to security agencies for a significant reduction in crime.
The statement further dismissed claims that Taraba State was bankrupt, calling them “false and baseless.”
Usman emphasized that since taking office, Governor Kefas has transformed Jalingo into a hub of infrastructural development, with many projects completed and commissioned.
She noted that the administration prioritizes prudent financial management, significantly increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue from ₦700 million at the start of the administration to over ₦2 billion as of December 2024—an increase of more than 200%.
Refuting claims that no projects had been executed, Usman highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Kefas-led administration.
These include completing the TY Danjuma House in Abuja and Jalingo, which enhances the state’s national presence and boosts investor confidence.
The statement also revealed that several projects initiated by the current administration are ongoing within and outside the state.
