You Are Not Our Member - APGA Tells Sabo In Court

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has told the Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo that Hon. Pius Sabo is not a registered member of the party, and therefore cannot challenge the nomination of Engr. Mathias Luka Agbu as its candidate for Ibi/Wukari Federal Constituency.

APGA made the submission during Friday's proceedings in the pre-election suit filed by Sabo, who is challenging Agbu's emergence from the May 28 primary election.

Sabo, who contested the primary, seeks to nullify Agbu's nomination or, in the alternative, have the court declare him the winner of the primary election.

He alleged that due process was not followed and that the exercise was malpracticed. The exercise came up for the adoption of witnesses; counsel to the first defendant, Barr. P.D. Pius, presented his witness, Daniel Akila.

During cross-examination, Akila told the court that he served as an agent in the exercise, and that Agbu was legitimately nominated in accordance with the party's provisions.

Barr. Pius urged the court to dismiss the suit, citing recent Supreme Court decisions on membership of political parties.

He argued that the APGA membership register tendered as an exhibit before the court did not contain Sabo's name, insisting that the plaintiff was not a registered member of the party.

He maintained that the party's guidelines and the evidence before the court clearly established Agbu's eligibility as APGA's candidate for the constituency, and urged the court to strike out the suit and recognise Agbu as the party's candidate.

Similarly, counsel to APGA, L.L. Taddok, aligned his position with that of the first defendant, arguing that Sabo had failed to establish a credible case against the defendants.

Taddok urged the court to dismiss the suit, paving the way for Agbu to fly the party's flag in the 2027 general elections.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday, 9th November, 2026, for commencement of the defence.

Your Security Is Guaranteed - Kefas Tells New Corps Members

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has assured corps members deployed to serve in the State that their security and welfare are guaranteed throughout their service year.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday at the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch 'C' Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sibre, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.

Dr. Kafas reassured them that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the security and welfare of corps members remains its utmost priority during and after the orientation course, and will continually strengthen its synergy with NYSC management and other stakeholders.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Jeji Williams, congratulated the corps members on successfully completing their academic pursuits and attaining the important milestone of national service.

He described the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, as one of the most enduring instruments for promoting national unity, integration, cultural exchange and patriotic service among Nigerian youths.

Dr. Kefas said his administration places high premium on youth development and considers corps members and the NYSC scheme as crucial development partners endowed with energy, training, talent and skills needed to transform the state and the nation.

He told the corps members that as they take the oath of allegiance, they are not merely fulfilling a statutory requirement, but accepting a shared responsibility to serve the nation with integrity, discipline, commitment and selflessness.

"Taraba State, fondly known as Nature's Gift to the Nation, is a land blessed with immense cultural diversity, abundant natural resources, and warm and hospitable people. I encourage you to embrace the unique opportunity to learn from the rich cultures and traditions of our people while contributing your knowledge, skills and talents towards the development of the state and the nation at large," he said.

The governor expressed delight at the report of their good conduct since arrival at camp, urged them to sustain it throughout the orientation exercise and the service year, and warned them to abstain from drug abuse, cultism, fraud and other vices capable of tarnishing their reputation and that of the NYSC scheme.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr. Ella Aji Williams, said the swearing-in ceremony was the opening chapter of a remarkable journey of service, sacrifice, patriotism and nation-building, and that the oath is a solemn covenant with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Williams disclosed that no fewer than ten corps members who served in Taraba State recently won the prestigious Presidential Honours Award for outstanding Community Development Service projects, listing the construction of a toilet with recycled plastic bottles at GDSS Salihu Dogo, free medical outreaches in Kona, Lankaviri and Suntai, free legal services by the Legal CDS Group, donation of school materials to underprivileged children, and installation of solar-powered street lights at the camp as some of their interventions.

Correspondent reports that the oath was administered by the Honourable Chief Judge of Taraba State, represented by Hon. Justice Clara Jummai Katabs.

Pay Us Or We Shut Down - TSU SSANU Gives Kefas 14 Days

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Taraba State University, Jalingo Branch, has given Governor Agbu Kefas and the Taraba State Government a 14-day ultimatum to implement the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, CONTTA, or face a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike.

The ultimatum was contained in a communique issued at the end of the union's emergency congress meeting held on Thursday, 5th November, 2026, and signed by the Chairperson, Comrade Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, and Secretary, Comrade Offen Stephen Noseh.

According to the union, the Taraba State Government has failed to implement the agreement reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria and SSANU on CONTTA, despite a series of committee meetings and repeated promises.

The union said it has exercised considerable patience over the delay without any positive result, describing the government's inaction as totally and comprehensively unacceptable.

"We are disappointed in Governor Agbu Kefas and the Taraba State Government for failing to implement the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, CONTTA, agreement between the Federal Government and SSANU after a series of committee meetings and promises.

"We hereby give the Taraba State Government 14 days ultimatum from the date of this communique to implement the agreement as practically done in other state universities to avert a total comprehensive and indefinite strike action," the communique stated.

SSANU-TSU listed Adamawa State University, Mubi, Sa'adu Zungur University, Bauchi, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Kwara State University, Malete, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, and Osun State University, Osogbo, as some of the state universities that have already implemented the allowance.

The union said the congress-in-session carefully reviewed its struggles on the implementation of the agreement and resolved that the continued delay by the Taraba State Government can no longer be tolerated.

It warned that failure to meet the demand within the 14 days would leave it with no option but to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action.

2027: Accord Guber Candidate, Prof. Nyameh Preaches Peace ...Says Violence Won't Win Votes In Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Accord Party in Taraba State has taken a different route, sensitising its supporters on peaceful conduct during campaigns and elections.

Accord Party gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Jerome Nyameh, made this known while flagging off the sanitisation in Jalingo on Wednesday, saying no election is worth the blood of the people or the unity of communities.

Nyameh charged supporters to campaign vigorously for the party's candidates, but with decency and decorum, and to resist any temptation to resort to violence.

He urged them to take the training seriously and to operate strictly within the boundaries set by law for participation in campaigns and elections.

"We have been having elections over the years, but this time, I think it is important to address our teeming supporters on the best ways to conduct themselves in the course of the campaign and election.

"We believe that we have a blueprint that is good enough to woo the people to us, and so there is no need to stir up violence. up We want to ensure that our members conduct themselves in the most respected and ethical manner.

"It is also important to keep them abreast of the legal framework within which they have to conduct themselves so that they don't break the law. While other candidates and their supporters are very busy inciting violence, we are committed to a peaceful and issues-based campaign," he said.

US-Based NGO Donates Drugs, Books to Taraba IDPs

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A New York-based humanitarian organisation, Open Arms Amazing Charitable Organisation Inc., has donated medicines and exercise books to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Taraba State.

The organisation donated the items through the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) in Jalingo on Monday.

Presenting the items on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Magdalene Agada, the organisation's representative, Mr Enoch Reuben, said the donation was aimed at supporting IDPs across the state and complementing the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas.

He said the organisation was impressed by the transparency and excellence demonstrated by TSEMA in handling humanitarian interventions.

"Our organisation and CEO have seen the transparency and excellence in the humanitarian drive of TSEMA with internally displaced persons," she said.

Receiving the items, the Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Dr Audu Echuseh, thanked the organisation for its continued support, assuring that the materials would be judiciously utilised for the benefit of IDPs.

According to her, the medicines and exercise books would support the free education policy of the state government and improve healthcare delivery to vulnerable populations.

She noted that Open Arms has consistently supported the state and described the organisation as a reliable partner in humanitarian service.

Dr Echuseh called on other organisations and well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture by partnering with the state government to address the needs of IDPs in Taraba.

NGO Offers Free Cancer Screening for Women in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI), conducted free cancer screening for women in Jalingo on Friday.

The Chief Executive Director, Dr Hannatu Ayuba, said the exercise was part of a campaign to improve access to cancer treatment for women in the North-East.

Ayuba, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, said the outreach was organised under the 2026 Pinktober Cancer Awareness Campaign with the theme "Awareness to Access".

She urged women to be conscious of the prevalence of cancer and to seek early diagnosis and treatment, noting that early detection would help mitigate its deterioration.

According to her, the initiative is promoting inclusion by providing cancer health literacy to people regardless of social status, age, location or disability.

She said the organisation is also working with government and healthcare partners to bridge gaps in access to specialist cancer services, particularly in underserved communities.

Ayuba disclosed that its TeleOncology Hub Programme was designed to improve access to specialist care, including for people living in areas without adequate cancer treatment services.

"We believe in inclusion. We are giving cancer health literacy to everybody, whether you are rich or poor, whether you have any disability or not.

"We are breaking the stigma. Cancer should be discussed, talked about, and no one with cancer should hide or stay at home and suffer. I urge communities and everyone to embrace early detection and seek medical attention," she said.

She added that the organisation is supporting breast cancer awareness, ultrasound screening, biopsies and further investigations to determine the nature of tumours and guide treatment.

Ayuba said community patient navigators are available to help patients access hospitals, connect with appropriate specialists and participate in multidisciplinary consultations to determine suitable treatment plans.

Also speaking, Dr Monica Amadi of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, who is the Secretary of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), expressed delight over the massive turnout of women for the screening.

Amadi assured that the exercise would continue even after the stipulated days and encouraged women to utilise the opportunity for early detection and treatment.

Hajia Habiba Musa, a beneficiary, said early detection would reduce high death rates and called on women to make efforts to access cancer care for better health.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Mary Patrick, said the awareness would go a long way in addressing the challenge of lack of access to cancer care.

Taraba Judiciary to Sustain Collaboration With FIDA - CJ

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has assured that the State Judiciary will sustain its collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to enhance justice delivery, especially for vulnerable persons.

Justice Agya gave the assurance on Friday in Jalingo when he received the Taraba State branch of FIDA on a courtesy visit.

He said FIDA plays a critical role in the administration of justice through legal representation, public education, advocacy and assistance to persons who might otherwise have no effective voice.

Agya noted that there is room for continued engagement between the Judiciary and FIDA on practical barriers faced by vulnerable court users, adding that constructive suggestions on access to court information and registry services would be welcome through appropriate channels.

"For a woman facing violence, or a child exposed to abuse, timely legal assistance can make a profound difference.

"Such engagement must always preserve the independence of the courts and avoid discussion of the merits of pending cases," he stressed.

Justice Agya described violence against women and girls as a menace that extends beyond the immediate victim, capable of disrupting families, undermining education, livelihoods, and weakening community security.

He commended FIDA for its planned sensitisation against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and pledged the Judiciary's support within its limits.

Earlier, Mrs Patience Bagudu, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV 2026, said the visit was to brief the CJ on preparations for the campaign scheduled for November 25 to December 10, 2026.

She highlighted planned activities to include sensitisation visits to Taraba State University and two public secondary schools in Jalingo, visits to orphanage centres, and a dinner to honour deserving members.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of FIDA in Taraba, Mrs Shalom Maijankai, who led the delegation, described Justice Agya as a worthy patron of the association and reaffirmed FIDA's commitment to work with the judiciary to ensure justice for vulnerable women and girls.