OPINION
Taraba: Assessing Security Under Gov Kefas
By Edward Lenshie
Security remains one most important characteristic that create avenue for the pursuit of good life. Although they said it is early to assess the performance of the administration in Taraba State, unequivocally it should be credited to the leadership of the state and his lieutenants the ability to restore the security condition in the state.
Gov Kefas
Before this government took over office on May 29, 2023, the state was suffering from unprecedented security challenges. One priority this administration gave attention to among many was security to enable peace as a precursor for development.
Development, in this context, reflects the ability of people to carry about their lawful activities without fear of harm and threats. This we saw becoming a reality when this government was inaugurated.
The testament is evident in that previously people could not go to farm or travel easily without considering security implications. Taraba State is now experiencing a moment of peace. Peace has a multiplier effect on the livelihoods of the people, impacting progress at more than one point.
First, because of the peace as a result of security commitment of the state government, Tarabans have farmed and harvested crops without fear of threats or harm to lives and their properties.
Secondly, the people travel distances to their choice localities without fear of harm and threat. This is a phenomenon that has least happened in the last eight years.
Thirdly, the government through the established committee to counter banditry has rooted out bandits that have over the years undermined peace in the state, an effort that has been sustained across the state since coming to leadership rostrum.
Fourthly, being a strategic military intelligence personal himself, he has deployed this intelligence to ensure the security of lives and properties in Taraba State. His achievement in security provisioning is uncompromising.
The effort of the government in this area is enough for the people not to make anymore demand on the state government.
However, democracy remains an agency for service. The more you serve, the more the expectations from the people because it is a government that comes about as a result of the general will.
While public demands are many, the prioritisation of such demands becomes important. One of such evidence of government’s prioritisation is the security provisioning in Taraba State that secured the entire state for food production to enable our survival.
The government should go further to regulate the manner in which food is taken out of the state to mitigate coming hunger.
This can be achieved through creating public orientation, which the Information Ministry has a responsibility to perform in this context to make the people understand the consequences of not keeping for the future.
We have produced what we farmed, we should be encouraged to store to eat what we produced within the state.
