Taraba: Cultural group hails gov. Kefas leadership style, seeks review of chiefdom creation

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A cultural group, Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), on Sunday commended governor Agbu Kefas over steps taken so far in developing Taraba state.
The group also saluted governor Kefas for creating the Ministry of Social Justice and Reintegration, however appealed to the governor to review the chiefdom created by his predecessor, Darius Ishaku that has in some places sparked crisis and is brewing elements of destabilizing peace in the state.
In a press conference in Jalingo, Comr. David Nyiagee, National Secretary of the group said, the steps taken so far in developing Taraba by governor Kefas were hope reviving for the citizens.
“As an association that believe in good governance, we wish to commend governor Agbu Kefas leadership style which has so far given hope to many residents of Taraba, and indeed Nigerians that he has come to change the narrative of the way things were done in the past.
“We salute the governor’s courage for redefined governance through mind-blowing reforms like, the declaration of free primary and secondary education, the reduction of tertiary institution’s school fees by half, the setting up of a committees of enquires to suggest solutions to ending some perennial tribal crises in the state, the implementation of the new minimum wage, the appointment of youths into key offices and the rolling out of palliatives which signify hope, unity, and inclusion of the citizens in the administration
“We also commend governor Kefas for the creation of the state Ministry of Social Justice and Reintegration, as well as the prompt and decisive way the governor has handled the crisis in Karim-Lamido over the Chieftaincy tussle” The group commended.
Comr Nyiagee on behalf of the association however accused the former governor, Darius Ishaku of melting injustice against the Tiv’s in the state and called on governor Kefas to correct the wrongs.
“We wish to inform governor Agbu Kefas that the former Governor, Darius Ishaku melted so much injustice on our people in the creation of Chiefdoms and Districts; he also illegally confiscated land from our people who are the rightful owners for himself and others. We are appealing for a review of the process in the interest of justice, peace, inclusion, and development.
“In 2018, the immediate past Governor, Darius Ishaku created and upgraded 54 chiefdoms in Taraba and since then, Ishaku had further created chiefdoms and districts in almost every village and hamlet in Taraba State but deliberately refused to create even one chiefdom for the Tiv people in the entire Taraba State despite historical records that clearly favour the creation of Tiv Chiefdoms and districts.”