By Oluwatosin Alex
Governance in Nigeria may have been a one-way traffic affair but the governor-elect of Taraba state, Dr. Agbu Kefas is moving away from the norms and employing a different approach to governance.
When politicians get elected into office, it is normal for them to travel out of the country or hide from the public in order to rest as a result of the stressful campaign period. The 2023 presidential and governorship election wasn’t in any way different; even the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed left the country and just returned a few days ago.
For Agbu Kefas, the period between election victory and inauguration isn’t to relax but to prepare for the tedious job of governance in order to have a smooth running. Agbu Kefas understands that the office of a governor isn’t one you can learn while on the job, you must make yourself ready in all areas before you step into the dignified office.
Immediately after he was elected, Dr. Agbu Kefas called on the opposition and those who lost the election to work with him and join hands together for the sake of Taraba. Almost every opposition candidate visited him in his home after recognizing that indeed, the governor-elect is more interested in the progress of the state than his personality.
The governor-elect quickly swung into action towards his mission for the state which include Education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, security, peace and unity, economy, and job creation. He realized there was no point in waiting till he is inaugurated before moving to the action stage. Just a few days after his victory, Dr. Agbu Kefas started meeting with investors and stakeholders who are like-minded and willing to get involved in the progress of Taraba state.
Dr. Agbu Kefas didn’t limit his search for and meetings with investors to Taraba state alone; he went across the country and even outside the shores of Africa to pitch his plans to them for the sake of Taraba state. So far, many of them have agreed to invest in Taraba state.
Different from the norms, Dr. Agbu Kefas is likely to instate his cabinet members within his first month in office because he has been working behind the scene toward selecting the best hands. At the moment, about 90% of his commissioners, and personal aides have been selected based on their abilities, skills, and commitment to make Taraba state progress.
The governor-elect of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas has gotten involved in activities that sincerely portray him as one who is ready to hit the ground running. It’s surprising that the governor-elect is actively involved in the process of meeting investors and selecting his cabinet members.
Among others, Dr. Agbu Kefas is sure to have the smoothest-running government on account of his preparedness. Taraba state is truly blessed to have Governor-elect, Agbu Kefas, who is taking governance with a totally different approach.
Oluwatosin Alex is the acting SSA on Online Media to the Governor-elect, Agbu Kefas