Activist Rejects Governor Kefas’ Appointment As SSA
By Chuwang Dungs, Jalingo
Rikwense Muri, who was recently appointed by Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas, as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on project tracking, has rejected the appointment.
The rejection was disclosed in a letter addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Timothy Kataps on Friday.
Mr Muri, a human rights activist and a critic of Kefas administration is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Kefas appointed him and 177 others last week as his SSAs. Muri said he declined the appointment after due consultation with his party and political associates, amongst other reasons.
In the letter Muri, expressed his appreciation for the appointment and the governor’ spirit of inclusiveness.
“I write to express my heartfelt gratitude for the honor of being considered for the position of Senior Special Assistant on Projects Tracking.
“Your decision to embrace capable individuals, regardless of political affiliations, marks a commendable step toward inclusivity in governance.
“I sincerely appreciate the trust you have placed in me, which I view as a testament to my commitment to constructive criticism rooted in patriotism.
“However, after extensive consultations with my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as discussions with political associates, community leaders, friends, and family, I must respectfully decline the appointment,” he said in the letter.
Mr Muri, said his decision is guided by several principled considerations, including his loyalty to his party and commitment to the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“As a dedicated member of the APC and the State Publicity Secretary of the APC Youth Vanguard in Taraba State, my commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains steadfast.
“Given the significant investments and support our state has received under his administration, it would be inconsistent for me to abandon my party during this time of renewed focus on Taraba through the local government autonomy, massive presidential appointments, massive ongoing multi billion naira Federal Infrastructural and interventions projects.
“Moreover, Article 9.5 of our party’s constitution stipulates that members accepting appointments from opposition administrations risk outright cessation of their membership of the party unless they do so through proper channels of the party National Secretariat.
“These were not followed in this instance and I am not ready to leave the APC at the moment.
As a supporter and loyal member of the APC since 2015, I have worked tirelessly to grow the party from opposition to a ruling force in my constituency, contributing to our victories at the state assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate levels.
“Abandoning the party at this crucial time would undermine the principles of loyalty and sacrifice that I hold dear. I strongly believe that a viable opposition is vital for democracy, and I remain committed to using the APC platform to support good governance and the delivery of democracy’s dividends in Taraba State.
“As the President of the Southern Taraba Youth Coalition for Peace (STYCOP), I have been actively involved in advocating for the rebuilding of communities affected by violence as a result of banditry and ethno-political conflicts.
“Currently, over 200 communities in Southern Taraba remain in dire need of reconstruction, reintegration and rehabilitation. Accepting this appointment would conflict with my dedication to being a voice for these marginalized communities that is yet to receive the attention of the government. I am committed to collaborating with the state Ministry of Social Justice and Reintegration to address these pressing issues.
“My commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of the Kuteb Nation, particularly regarding the Ukwe Takum stool, is unwavering. The recent actions taken by your administration concerning this matter have raised significant concerns within our community.
“Accepting this appointment while our legitimate grievances remain unaddressed would compromise my integrity and the trust placed in me by the Kuteb people.
“Like Nelson Mandela, who chose to stand with his people rather than join the apartheid regime despite their numerous offers to him, I must remain steadfast in my advocacy for justice and fairness for the Kuteb nation. This was the main reason that brought me into politics sir.
“This decision is not borne out of animosity toward you or your administration. Rather, I admire the courage and inclusiveness demonstrated in offering this appointment to someone who has been a vocal critic.
“I remain devoted to supporting initiatives that benefit all citizens of Taraba State and will continue to provide constructive feedback aimed at the betterment of our state,” he submitted.
