Disappointment in Taraba as Kefas fails to show up after supreme court victory
By Chuwang Dungs
Jalingo the Taraba state capital residents who waited anxiously on Thursday for the return of Governor Agbu Kefas, after his Supreme Court victory were disappointed as he failed to return to the State.
Immediately the Apex Court delivered judgement in favour of Kefas, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Sani Yahaya, of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), there was jubilation galore at many parts of the state, especially in Jalingo.
At the state Secretariat, workers were jumping up and singing songs of victory.
Many supporters displayed placards with inscriptions such as ‘Governor Agbu Kefas is God’s project’, ‘Mr. Infrastructure carry go’, ‘Moving Forward 2023-2027.”
In Ibi local government area, Motorcyclists and boat riders also put up displays to express their joy over the verdict of the court.
Security personnel were drafted all over to ensure peace and the Jolly Nyame stadium was immediately set and decorated with PDP flags in expectation of the arrival of the governor to address the large crowd that were anxiously waiting for him.
Unfortunately, journalists, government officials and supporters who had kept vigil at the Danbaba Suntai airport and the stadium left disappointed after waiting till 5:00 p.m in vain.
An airport source who spoke under anonymity said the governor couldn’t make the trip due to bad weather. “No flight is expected for the day because of bad weather.”
The expectation of the supporters was also dashed on Friday as the governor refused to show up.
DAYLIGHT REPORTERS gathered that hundreds of supporters including Journalists went to the airport in the early hours of Friday with the hope that the governor would arrive, but were disappointed after an Overland aircraft landed without the governor on board.
“We were in the airport from 10:00 am, we waited for hours with the expectation that the governor would come, when Overland aircraft arrived there was a celebration, but we were disappointed the governor was not on board, only some of the supporters and loyalists that accompanied him to Abuja arrived.” Kenneth Augustine, a supporter, told DAYLIGHT REPORTERS.
Another loyalist of the governor who is a civil servant, Emmanuel Moses, said “we were expecting the governor to come back and order the immediate release of our January salary so that we can celebrate his victory.”
Mr Moses said the victory is worth celebrating considering the wonderful things Kefas is doing in the state, but unfortunately there is no money to make the celebration lively.
Also speaking with DAYLIGHT REPORTERS, Hassan Kona, a PDP loyalist and former aspirant for the Jalingo local government chairmanship seat, said that the Supreme Court ruling had brought the State more joy.
Kona noted that Governor Kefas had begun good work in the State and would do more for the people who massively voted for him.
“We are happy with the judgment at the Supreme Court, upholding the victory of Governor Kefas as the winner of the Taraba State governorship election as earlier declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We are out here to rejoice and express our joy over the outcome. We urge the people of Taraba to remain peaceful. There should be peace and calmness in the state.
“Kefas has a lot to offer the people of the state. He should continue the good work. We are solidly behind him to give him our full support.
“As you can see everyone is celebrating and looking happy,” he stated.
