TARABA STATE GOVERNMENT ISSUES STERN WARNING TO TRADITIONAL RULERS AMID 34th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
JALINGO, Nigeria – August 28, 2025 Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has warned traditional rulers against engaging in practices that undermine peace and development, vowing to impose strict penalties on violators as the state commemorates its 34th anniversary.
In an address to royal fathers in Jalingo, the governor highlighted several concerning activities, including the indiscriminate sale of land, illegal issuance of mining consent letters, involvement in illegal mining, uncontrolled conferment of chieftaincy titles, and unvetted appointments of Ardos. He noted that many such appointees have become key instigators in farmer-herder conflicts and collaborators with bandits.
Governor Kefas emphasized that his administration would no longer tolerate these issues, stating that culpable rulers could face disciplinary measures such as suspension, deposition, or 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 warned.
The governor called for a collaborative relationship between the government and traditional institutions, rather than rivalry. He urged the rulers to safeguard their domains from criminal activities, consult with the state government before conferring titles or appointing Ardos, and partner in promoting peace and development.
Reassuring citizens of his administration’s commitment, Kefas said the government is addressing key needs in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation “systematically and step by step, as resources allow.”
He described the anniversary as a pivotal moment for renewal, reaffirming: “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.”
The address was issued through a press release by Yusuf Sanda, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Taraba State.
