Taraba

Gov. Kefas, General Faransa in cold war over destruction of N10 billion mining equipment

Published

6 months ago

August 20, 2024

National Update

Gov. Agbu Kefas

By Victor Idujagi Jalingo

There is an ongoing sour relationship between Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and his strong political Aly, General Jeremiah Faransa (rtd), Chairman, Task force Committee on Illegal Mining and Deforestation over the circumstances sourounding the destruction of over N10 billion worth of government owned mining equipment in Akwana, Wukari local government of the state.

General Faransa (Rtd) holds two exhalted positions as Chairman, Taskforce committee on Illegal Mining and Deforestation as well as the Chairman of Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue Services.

During his last visit to Akwana mining site, Faransa allegedly ordered his team to set fire on all the mining equipment worth N10.5 billion Naira and burnt them.

The Akwana mining site which is located at the boarder between Taraba and Benue states, is believed to be richly endowed with Lithium, Gold and Sodium said to be in large deposits, has over the years been a centre of mining activities for both officials and Illegal miners.

Our investigation reveals that the equipment which includes two brand new Excavators, Soundproof MiKano Generators, Detecting Machines, motorcycles and other equipment used for such activities, were purchased by Governor Kefas through the Bureau for Solid Mineral Resources at the cost of about N10.5 billion early this year.

The Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Bureau for Solid Mineral Resources, Matsai David confirmed that after the purchase, he personally conveyed the mining equipment to Akwana on the directives of the Governor.

“I conveyed the mining equipment to Wukari on the directive of the governor, I am not answerable to the Taskforce. So when the governor comes back from the trip, I will give my explanation on the situation, for now, I reserve my comment” David disclosed when contacted over the incident.

The question by many Tarabans last week is whether Governor Kefas has also embarked on secret Illegal Mining activities. Citizens are wondering why the purchase of the mining equipment without the knowledge of the Chairman of the Taskforce committee on illegal mining?

Meanwhile, the Taraba Concern Citizens (TCC), a pressure group operating within the state has requested that both Gov Kefas and General Faransa owe the people of the state explanation why equipment procured with state funds amounting to a whopping sum of over N10.5 billion be destroyed by a committee set up by a committee set up by the state government.

The Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emos Tijani said, “we are calling on Governor Kefas to come out clearly and tell the people of the state why a Taskforce established by his government would destroy equipment worth Billions of Naira which was procured by tax payers money

“We the concern citizens are still confused of what led to the destruction of the mining equipment, is it that the Faransa led Taskforce is in disagreement with the state government? Or, is it that the governor and his government are also engaged in secret illegal mining activities without the knowledge of the Faransa committee? “he questioned.

The action of General Faransa to burn down the equipment of such magnitude is still questionable as why couldn’t the committee confiscate the equipment which would have served as exhibit and would have justified their claims of having illegal miners operating in the state.

There are feelers that the general has his hidden plans to begin his own private Mining business in the area and as such destroyed the government’s equipment with the motive to frustrate the government’s mining business.

There are other suspicions from different quarters that the General was bringing in partners who mostly are powerful retired generals who are into mining business and who had been his godfathers while he was serving in the military.

According to a source who was at the mining site during the destruction at Akwana told our correspondent last week that the Chairman, Gen. Faransa, had told them that the equipment belonged to illegal Miners who always hide to harness mineral resources in the state.

National update investigation reveals that Governor Kefas has since fallen apart with General Faransa following his alleged excesses and secret dealing, including arrogating powers to himself as Chairman of the Taskforce.

It was gathered that during the raid by Faransa’s Taskforce on several mining locations in the state few months ago , the Taskforce recovered different kinds of mineral resources amounting to billions of naira from illegal miners, but the items were later sold and the proceeds were allegedly diverted to personal pockets.

These and many other reasons was responsible to why Governor Kefas in April this year appointed Faransa as Chairman Taraba state board of internal revenue to relief him of the position of the Taskforce committee Chairman.

It was gathered that since his appointment as Chairman, board of internal revenue, Faransa has vowed not to relinquish his position as Taskforce committee on Illegal Mining.

Aside from his refusal to relinquish the position of the Taskforce Chairman, Faransa sometimes last week allegedly wrote to the office of the State Accountant General directing that the AG must henceforth furnish his office with details of all revenue acrueing to the state, including monthly federal allocations.

Again, General Faransa under the board of internal revenue is currently recruiting boys loyal to him to handle collections of revenue on heads and sub-heads that are domicile in all the MDAS in the state, thereby depriving the professionals and technical officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies from doing their duties.

It was however gathered that this development did not go down well with Governor Kefas who according to sources viewed Faransa as arrogating too much powers to himself and over stepping his bounds.

Sources reveals that for the past three weeks, Governor Kefas has shot his doors against Faransa, including declining to pick all his phone calls.

All efforts by our correspondent to reach General Faransa, the Chairman of the Taskforce committee on Illegal Mining and Deforestation proved abortive.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Kefas on media and communication, Hon. Emmanul Bello told our correspondent that the appropriate person to comment on the matter was the Permanent Secretary Bureau for Solid Mineral Resources, Mr. Matsai David who earlier confirmed his office purchased the mining equipment on the directives of the Governor.

Taraba

Taraba State in Crisis: Government Activities Grind to a Halt as Billions Vanish

Published

2 weeks ago

February 9, 2025

National Update

Agbu Kefas

By Eleojo Samuel, Jalingo

Taraba State is teetering on the brink of financial collapse amid allegations of widespread mismanagement and diversion of state resources under Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.
With government activities at a standstill, the state treasury is reportedly empty, leaving essential services and infrastructure projects abandoned.

Governor Kefas’s conspicuous absence from the state for over three months has fueled speculations of a deep financial crisis.
Observers point to the suspension of all ongoing projects and the state’s ballooning debt profile as clear indicators of fiscal mismanagement. Despite securing over N250 billion in bank loans during his first 18 months in office—funds earmarked for critical infrastructure such as urban and rural roads, hospitals, and educational facilities—there is little to show in terms of tangible development.

While Governor Kefas has championed free education as a hallmark of his administration, critics argue this initiative is superficial, with many of its promised benefits remaining unfulfilled.
More alarming is the absence of any completed projects, including the failure to construct even a single kilometer of road since assuming office.

Sources revealed that despite the massive loans, contractors have abandoned key projects, including the remodeling of the Government House, the construction of a Trade Fair complex, and the renovation of state institutions like the College of Agriculture and the School of Nursing in Jalingo.
The much-touted Green House project, previously criticized as a conduit for siphoning public funds during former Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku’s tenure, has reportedly consumed over N2 billion under Governor Kefas, with little progress to justify the expenditure.

The question on every Taraban’s lips is simple: Where is the N250 billion? Allegations suggest the funds have “developed wings,” with some insiders claiming the money has been diverted for personal enrichment and political patronage. It is alleged that N100 billion of the loans were funneled back to Governor Kefas’s political godfather, a retired general from the state, as repayment for financing Kefas’s 2023 gubernatorial campaign.

Moreover, the state’s ability to meet basic financial obligations is under threat. The monthly deductions to service the massive loans have reportedly left insufficient funds to pay workers’ salaries, forcing the government to rely on overdrafts from commercial banks.

Investigations further reveal that allocations meant for the state’s 16 local government areas are being diverted to cover state-level debts. This includes the alleged misappropriation of N7.36 billion in federal intervention funds, initially intended for local governments but used instead to partially settle salary arrears for lecturers at Taraba State University, who had been on strike since November.

Another N2.3 billion, reportedly allocated for the purchase of 10,000 metric tons of grains for food security, has also gone missing, with no grains found in government warehouses. Despite introducing a new levy of N1,000 per grain bag to boost internally generated revenue (IGR), funds from this initiative are allegedly being siphoned by officials within the Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of Internal Revenue.

The agriculture sector, once seen as a beacon for diversifying the state’s economy, has not been spared from controversy. Over N2 billion allocated for the purchase of tractors last rainy season allegedly vanished, with only 30 tractors delivered as a token gesture. Similarly, funds earmarked for fertilizer distribution never reached farmers, further crippling agricultural productivity.

Accusations of complicity have been leveled against the Accountant-General’s Office, the State Ministry of Finance, and the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, suggesting a coordinated effort to divert public funds.

Facing mounting criticism, Governor Kefas addressed the allegations during an award presentation by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Jalingo, where he was honored as a “Students’ Friendly Governor.” He dismissed his critics as impatient, stating, “I heard people complaining that I am not working and not executing projects. Such people are just in a hurry. What I am doing now is laying a foundation for incoming governors to build on.”
In response to the accusations, Hon. Emmanuel Bello, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, vehemently denied claims of financial mismanagement.
“Taraba is not broke. I don’t know how anyone can say that. Our IGR has improved considerably due to the hard work of the sagacious governor and his team,” Bello stated. He insisted that ongoing projects had not been abandoned but were undergoing technical reevaluation.
“This is the year of infrastructural development in roads and bridges. Our 2025 budget reflects this commitment,” he added.
Despite these reassurances, the people of Taraba remain skeptical, demanding transparency and accountability from an administration they once believed held the promise of transformation. With the specter of direct federal allocations to local governments looming, many wonder how Governor Kefas will navigate the growing financial quagmire without further eroding public trust.

Taraba

Troops Raid Bandit Hideout in Taraba, Arrest 23, Recover Weapons

Published

3 weeks ago

February 3, 2025

National Update

By Eleojo Samuel, Jalingo

In a decisive offensive against banditry, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralized a bandit camp and arrested 23 suspects, including four females, in Angwan Bala, Kambari area of Karim Lamido Local Government, Taraba State.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, revealed that the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected criminals in the area.

“On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from our troops,” Oni stated.
One bandit was neutralized, while others surrendered without resistance. A thorough search of the camp led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including, 4 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 English-made pistol and 2 locally made guns
Others he said included,28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles and 48 daggers and jack knives
Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits had migrated from Plateau State and paid ₦1.5 million to a local chief in Amar village to establish their hideout.

Reacting to the successful operation, Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to eliminating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace.

“This operation sends a clear message that Taraba State will not be a safe haven for terrorists. We will continue working with stakeholders to rid the region of criminality,” he declared.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation is crucial in the fight against insecurity.

Taraba

NANS threatens protest against FG over abandoned Jalingo-Numan road

Published

4 weeks ago

January 25, 2025

National Update

Lucky Emonefe

Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Saturday issued a 14 days ultimatum to the Federal Government to fix the abandoned Jalingo, Numan road or face mass protest.
Mr Lucky Emonefe, National President of NANS issued the warning at the 3rd Inauguration Ceremony of the North East Zonal Executive Council of the union in Jalingo, Taraba State on Saturday.
Emonefe warned that the union would not hesitate to relocate it’s national secretariat from Abuja to the North East if the federal government fails to take action on the road after the expiration of the ultimatum.

He described the road as one of the worst roads in the country, stating that the deplorable situation of the road was a threat to the life of Nigerian Students.
“The national association of Nigerian students have declared a state of emergency on the Jalingo Numan road which contract was awarded several years ago but was abandoned by the contractors
“The road is one of the worst roads in Nigeria and is a death trap to Nigeria students, especially in the North East.

“We are calling on the authorities concerned, especially the Federal Ministry of Works to order the contractor to return to site and commence work on the road.

“We are therefore, issuing a 14 days warning to to the Federal government to take action on the road or NANS will relocate it secretariat to the north east,” he warned.

The president commended Gov Agbu Kefas of Taraba for his students friendly policies in the state.

He described the governor as the best education friendly governor in Nigeria, citing the implementation of free education policy as well as a slash in 50 per cent school fees for tertiary institutions in the state as commendable effort.

The President advised other governors to emulate the template adopted by the governor of Taraba on education.

Emonefe also thanked President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of students loan.

He said that students had benefited from the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the administration, and called on all the students to support the Tinubu administration to succeed.

The President further advised the newly inaugurated Zonal Coordinator of the union to carry all students along in his administration.

Earlier, Mr Umar Afkawa, the newly sworn in Coordinator of the NANS in the North East said that his vision was to improve the welfare services of students in the zone.

Afkawa also promised that he would ensure academic excellence, security and safety of the students, empowerment and entrepreneurship among others.///.