THE governor of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions, improving governance, and enhancing service delivery across the state through responsible leadership and accountability.
Speaking during the inauguration of newly appointed officials, Governor Kefas stated that his government would not tolerate indiscipline, truancy, or any actions capable of undermining good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Taraba State.
The newly inaugurated officials include members of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), the Local Government Service Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as the Solicitor General, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
Addressing the appointees, the governor stressed that public office is not a privilege for personal gain but a call to service and responsibility.
“Today, we are not merely filling offices; we are entrusting responsibilities. Your appointment is an honour, but more importantly, it is a call to duty,” he said.
According to Kefas, the state government is focused on addressing long-standing administrative challenges, strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and meeting the legitimate expectations of citizens.
He noted that governance demands discipline, sound judgement, patience, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility, adding that leadership should not be viewed as an avenue for entitlement or personal ambition.
The governor urged the appointees to see themselves as institution builders whose responsibility extends beyond holding office to creating systems that are stronger than individuals and capable of enduring beyond political administrations.
Kefas emphasised the importance of credibility and professionalism for members of the state electoral commission, noting that the legitimacy of elections depends largely on fairness, neutrality, and competence in electoral management.
He also tasked members of the Local Government Service Commission with strengthening governance at the grassroots level by promoting discipline, responsiveness, and efficiency within local government administration.
For members of the Anti-Corruption Commission, the governor stressed the need to promote transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and prudent management of public resources, while ensuring that anti-corruption efforts remain free from political influence or personal interests.
Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants were encouraged to transform their offices into centres of innovation and problem-solving rather than bureaucracy and rivalry.
Governor Kefas further urged all appointees to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions in the discharge of their duties, stressing that every community in Taraba State deserves fairness, respect, and quality service delivery.
He said his administration expects professionalism, punctuality, financial discipline, adherence to due process, proper documentation, and measurable outcomes from all public officials.
The governor advised the appointees to familiarise themselves with the laws establishing their respective institutions, identify challenges within their mandates, and develop practical solutions that deliver tangible results for citizens.
According to him, leadership is not defined by titles or privileges but by the willingness to accept responsibility and achieve meaningful outcomes.
He challenged the officials to reflect on the impact of their service by asking whether they strengthened institutions, improved public confidence, and solved problems affecting the people.
Kefas reminded the appointees that while public offices are temporary, the effects of public decisions can last for generations, urging them to view their oath of office as a commitment to honesty, responsibility, and service to the people.
He expressed confidence in Taraba State’s potential, citing its resilient population and abundant resources, and noted that sustainable development would depend on commitment, integrity, and effective institutions.
The governor concluded by charging the officials to uphold fairness, courage, humility, discipline, and integrity while building institutions that would continue to serve the people long after their tenure in office.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, Job Aji, thanked Governor Kefas for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that the appointees would faithfully discharge their responsibilities in line with their oath of office.
