It’s insensitive commissioning a renovated lodge amidst economic hardship, Ex-APC Chairman berates Gov Kefas
By Chuwang Dungs
A former chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Hassan Ardo, has queried the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, for allegedly spending over hundreds of million Naira in commissioning a renovated Taraba State Government lodge.
The opposition leader told DAYLIGHTREPORTERS that the governor was “insensitive,” considering the present economic challenges in the country.
On Friday, Mr Kefas hosted top officials and dignitaries from across the country to unveiled the newly rehabilitated lodge named after Theophilus Danjuma (T.YDanjuma house) in Asokoro district, Abuja
Apart from the members of the state executive council, legislators and top politicians from the state that travel to Abuja for the event, dignitaries all across the country were in attendance.
Noticeable amongst those that attended the event were: former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, former minister of defense, Theophilus Danjuma, former Tetfund boss, Suleiman Bogoro, the Governors of Adamawa, Plateau, and Kogi states as well as the former governors and deputy governors of Taraba.
Others are some former and serving members of the National and State Assembly, including those in the opposition parties.
Traditional rulers from the state and some members of the diplomatic community also attended the event.
Mr Kefas, justified the renovation, stating that it is to promote the image of the state.
“Whatever is good to the image of Taraba State, we will bring it to bare, so that Taraba will be in the lamplight.
“Anytime Nigeria is being discussed, Taraba State, most be mention and this is just the beginning. As you can see so many people are interested in Taraba and want to be part of our progress, that’s why you can see the caliber of dignitaries that are here.” He said.
However, Ardo, criticised Kefas for allegedly spending hundreds of million naira on the commissioning of an existing project that was just renovated, during a period of economic hardship. Without considering the plights of the suffering people of Taraba
Ardo who was a former Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, expressed shock that people like Danjuma and Gowon, that Nigerians respect so much will be invited to commission a renovated building.
“How can a governor call respected people like T.Y Danjuma and Gowon to come and commission an existing project which was renovated, I can understand what is happening in this country
“These are people I respect so much, maybe they decided to attend because the governor is their boy, personally I was not invited and even if I was invited I won’t go because I won’t be a part of that unnecessary jamboree.
“I am not saying this because I am in the opposition, I am a Taraban, I am airing my concern, because is like must Tarabans, don’t seems to know their rights
He questioned the governor’s priorities, stating that while other states are building and commissioning digital schools, Kefas’ was celebrating a project that cannot positively impact the people.
“It is surprising that respected dignitaries would be involved in flaunting a Lodge rehabilitated in this period of economic challenges, that most Tarabans are finding it hard to feed” said Ardo who wondered how such showcasing the rehabilitated lodge is helpful to the masses.
“It is commendable that he has declared free education in public schools in the state, but he should provide the needed structures and facilities to compliment the gesture, than celebrating something that cannot positively impact the people of the state.” says the former APC chairman.
Kefas’ reaction
The governor Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Emmanuel Bello, while reacting says the governor deserves commendations for restoring the glory of that decaying edifice.
“In fact, the action is symbolic of the good work he is doing in the state. He is reviving dead things, literally. He is a governor touching all the issues abandoned in the past.
“In education, for instance, he has slashed school fees by half at the tertiary institutions and has since implemented free education at the primary and secondary school levels.
“In agriculture, no other government in the history of the state is providing more tractors and fertilizers than Governor Kefas.
“He’s sensitive to the plight of the state, which is why he has started paying gratuities that have been neglected over the years now. He’s also willing to implement any amount agreed on by federal government as minimum wage, even as he is prompt in paying salaries to civil servants.
“It is for these and more that elder statesmen are seeing in Governor Kefas, a younger man who can be trusted both in his leadership style and in moral conduct.” Mr Bello said.
