Parents tell youths to desist from taking risks for politicians

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Parents in Taraba state have advised youths to focus on meaningful ventures such as schooling, handwork and professional activities and desist from taking risk for politicians to earn their livelihood.

The advice came the electrocution of a 100 level student of Taraba state polytechnic Mr. Iorhee Paul who was electrocuted in Jalingo, Taraba state capital while flying a flag of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grace Taraba Investment Submit TARAFEST few months ago.

Paul’s two hands have been cut off after undergoing amputation surgery as a result of the electrocution.

He has since been abandoned over a month ago by those that recruited him to fly the PDP flag, struggling to pay medical bills at National Orthopedic Hospital, located inside Taraba Specialist Hospital Jalingo.

The electrocution which occurred on May 21, 2025 resulted to amputation surgery on June 19, 2025. Earlier, the Taraba State government through the Coordinator of Taraba State Sanitation Agency, Hon. Iliya Kefas took responsibility for the initial medical bills.

Peoples Daily visit at the hospital on Monday 4th of August gathered that Mr. Paul has since been abandoned by the state government and the PDP members in the state.

Speaking with injuries in the hospital bed, Paul told our correspondent that the government has since abandoned him, leaving him without proper medical care or attention.

He alleged that doctors have left him unattended to while his old mother struggled on daily basis for him to receive necessary treatment.

“Despite my critical condition, I have been left to fend for myself. The government’s abandonment has left me and my family in distress.

“I am appealing for assistance from the state government to take care of my medical care. I need immediate attention to receive necessary treatment and rehabilitation,” Paul said.

Meanwhile, the Publicity Secretary of the Youths Vanguards, Taraba state chapter Mr. Vicente Abon while speaking with our correspondent over the incident urged youths in the state to venture into activities that could earn them productive living rather than risking themselves for politicians.

Also, the chairman Taraba Yam Market Association Mr. Ataver Gum also called on youths to concentrate on studies in their various schools.

Both parents frowned at the way Mr. Iorhee Paul has been abandoned by those who employed him to fly the PDP flag.

When contacted, the coordinator, Taraba State Sanitation Agency Hon. Iliya Kefas who double as the coordinator PDP youths Vanguard that engaged the services of youths to carry PDP flags in the state told our correspondent that he earlier took Mr. Paul to the hospital as a result of pity.