As Taraba State marked its 34th anniversary of creation, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers against practices threatening peace, unity, and development in the state.
Speaking at an anniversary gathering with royal fathers at TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, the state capital, the Governor decried the indiscriminate sale of land, illegal issuance of mining consent letters, involvement in illegal mining activities, unchecked conferment of chieftaincy titles, and unregulated appointments of Ardos (warrant chiefs).
He noted that some of these practices have fueled farmer–herder conflicts and emboldened banditry across communities.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor stressed that the administration would no longer tolerate such acts. Governor Kefas warned that any traditional ruler found guilty would face sanctions ranging from suspension and deposition to prosecution. “No person, no matter how highly placed, is above the law of Taraba State. Where the law is silent, I will invoke the doctrine of necessity to protect the people,” he declared.
The Governor, however, emphasized that his call for discipline should not be seen as rivalry with the traditional institution.
He urged monarchs to work closely with the government in protecting their domains from criminality, ensuring due consultation before conferring titles or appointing Ardos, and supporting the state’s development agenda.
Governor Kefas reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to addressing pressing needs in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation in a systematic and resource-driven manner.
Calling the anniversary a turning point, he charged stakeholders to embrace unity and accountability. “Leadership is a sacred trust from God and the people. Abuse of that trust will no longer be tolerated. Let us secure Taraba, let us unite Taraba, and let us move Taraba forward,” he affirmed