Constituents Calling For Change In Jalingo/Yorro/Zing - PDP Flagbearer

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Imam, has said constituents are calling for a change from what he described as poor representation by the incumbent lawmaker, Prince Abbas Sadiq.

Imam disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Jalingo on Sunday.

He said dissatisfaction with the current representation had contributed to rising poverty, with many young people resorting to begging and criminal activities for survival.

According to him, the constituency needs a representative who will prioritize job creation and skills acquisition for youths and women to tackle poverty and insecurity.

Imam said his decision to contest was driven by the desire to attract development and transform living conditions.

"My experience as a former lawmaker and commissioner will enable me to enact legislation that will address problems and advance the development of the constituency, as well as carry out oversight functions to promote good governance.

"I am contesting to tackle the growing poverty that is dragging our youths into vices. My desire is to attract development to the constituency and transform the living conditions of the constituents. The constituents are not happy with the poor representation of the current member, Prince Abbas, and are calling for a positive change," he said.

He explained that his four-year tenure in the Taraba State House of Assembly left visible legacies that generations would continue to benefit from.

"My legacies are visible. My four years in the State House of Assembly have left unprecedented legacies that generations would continue to benefit from," he explained.

Imam listed some of his achievements to include construction of maternity clinics in Turaki A and Sintali wards, establishment of a computer training centre which graduated over 2,000 people and facilitation of employment for 105 youths.

He added that his ambition remains building a future for unemployed youths and alleviating poverty.

"My ambition is to build the future for unemployed youths and alleviate poverty among constituents. I want my constituents to understand and choose the path of building a greater future for the people to thrive," he added.

OPINION: HOW THE ENTIRE MUMUYE LAND STOOD STILL IN ADORATION OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS ALH. ADO ADAMU MAZANG II CLOCK 20 ON THE THRONE OF HIS FOREFATHERS

 

By Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo, Dallatun Bantaje

Last Saturday, the 16th day of October 2026, history was rewritten in Pantisawa. 

The administrative headquarters of Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State stood still, not in silence, but in celebration, in adoration of a monarch who has given twenty years of his life to his people.

It was the day the entire Mumuye land celebrated its Royal Father, His Royal Highness Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II, as he clocked 20 years on the throne of his forefathers. The palace of the Mumuye monarch was agog.

From the early hours, Mumuye sons and daughters poured in from within the chiefdom, from other parts of Taraba State, from across Nigeria, and many who reside in the diaspora flew in to add colour to the traditional and cultural revolution of the chiefdom and to rejoice with the Royal Father for God's protection, wisdom and guidance.

As early as 7 o'clock in the morning, cultural dancers in full traditional and cultural attires started arriving at the revered palace to take their positions. The beating of drums, the sound of flutes and the rhythmic chants announced that the day was different.

Different clans came with different kinds of dance steps. The Kpang, the Apava, the Shambo and other traditional troupes took turns to entertain invited guests and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Mumuye land. The display continued non-stop until two o'clock in the afternoon.

At that hour, the celebration paused for spiritual reflection. Muslim adherents trooped to the central mosque nearby and performed the obligatory two-unit Jummu'at prayers.

The prayers were led by the Taraba State Chairman of the Muslims Council, Sheikh Modibbo Bashir Hamman Adama. Shortly after the prayers, the revered cleric offered special prayers for the long life, prosperity and successful reign of His Royal Highness Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II.

Sheikh Adama also admonished believers to respect Allah and His Prophet, and then to respect their leaders in the interest of peace and tranquility. It was a moment that blended faith with royalty, and tradition with religion.

Immediately after prayers at the mosque, personalities trooped back to the palace and the ceremony officially commenced.

The palace ground, already decorated with traditional motifs and royal colours, became a convergence of leaders, elders, youth, women groups, title holders and well-wishers.

The ceremony commenced with speeches from eminent personalities who showered different kinds of encomiums on the Royal Father. Each speaker came with a personal testimony of the Chief's impact.

Among the speakers were the Chairperson of Yorro Local Government Area, Hon. Justina Anthony, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah of the UMCN Southern Conference, and The Danruwai of Mumuye, a retired Bursar of the Federal College of Education, Yola, amongst several other dignitaries.

It was at that gathering that many invited guests got the privilege to know the true history of the throne. That on the 16th of October 2006, Ado Adamu Mazang, as first son, succeeded his father following the demise of His Highness Adamu Mazang I.

He was appointed and turbaned by the then Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly T. Nyame, who charged him to be fair and just to his subjects irrespective of ethnic, religious or sectional affiliation.

That charge has not been taken lightly. For twenty years, Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II has carried everybody along in the discharge of his onerous responsibilities, without bias and without rancour.

In her remarks, the Local Government Chairperson, Mrs. Justina Anthony, described him as an exceptional leader who treats everyone with respect, devoid of any sentiment. She noted that the Chief does not involve himself in anything which does not concern him.

She added that despite his non-partisan posture, he has lobbied and brought several goodies for the people of the chiefdom, including roads, schools and empowerment opportunities. She called him a silent achiever and a father to all.

In his own remarks, a clergy from Zing LGA, Taraba State, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah, told the gathering that the Royal Father has promoted peace and unity in the whole Mumuye nation. He appealed to the Mumuye people to continue to support him to succeed.

Other speakers echoed the same sentiment - that Mumuye chiefdom today speaks with one voice because its traditional head has refused to divide it along political or religious lines.

Responding with visible emotion, the Royal Father thanked the mammoth crowd and described the gathering as a manifestation of pure love by his people. He said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity.

He urged them to continue to support government in its development policies and programmes, noting that no chiefdom can develop in isolation from the state.

Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang, however, pledged to continue to improve the living conditions of his subjects and to keep his doors open to all, no matter how low or high.

He commended the present administration under Governor Agbu Kefas for its support and for giving traditional institutions the space to thrive.

Indeed, 20 years on the throne has been 20 years of milestones. What many have called the Brochure of His Achievements was unveiled not on paper, but in the lives of the people.

First is peaceful and purposeful leadership. The Mumuye chiefdom is generally peaceful today. Farmer-herder conflicts, communal skirmishes and chieftaincy disputes that have ravaged other areas have been managed with wisdom.

Second is the upgrading of 26 Ward Jauros to esteemed Village Heads, thereby giving grassroots leadership dignity and administrative relevance.

Third is the creation of additional villages and districts to bring governance closer to the people and to ensure every hamlet feels the presence of the palace.

Fourth is the turbaning of eminent personalities as District Heads and other traditional title holders, a deliberate move to involve capable hands in the development of the chiefdom.

Fifth is the modernization of his palace and the upgrading of the Mumuye Yam Festival, known as SANTI, from a local harvest rite to an international cultural festival that now attracts tourists and researchers.

Sixth is his record as a peacemaker. He successfully resolved several crises that would have caused terrible conflict. For instance, the land misunderstanding between Kwaji and his chiefdom was settled amicably through his intervention, as was the protracted internal conflict within the UMCN.

Seventh is unity. Today, all stakeholders in Mumuye chiefdom speak with one voice. That unity was visible on Saturday as Christians and Muslims, youth and elders, all danced together.

Eighth is physical development driven by personal example. He personally participated in the clearance of the road leading from Jalingo to Pantisawa through Mallam Audu, transforming it from a footpath to a motorable road that has now become the economic artery of Yorro LGA.

 His insistence on education, voter registration and agriculture as tools of liberation, which has increased school enrolment and civic participation across the chiefdom.

As the sun set over Pantisawa last Saturday, what was seen was not just a ceremony. It was a referendum on leadership.

The people came not because they were compelled, but because they were convinced. They came because for 20 years, their King has not disappointed them.

The significance of this anniversary goes beyond the palace. It tells a story that traditional institution, when led by a just and humble leader, can still be the anchor of peace and progress in modern Nigeria.

For the younger generation, the 20-year reign of Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II is a lesson in patience, fairness, and service. It is proof that power is best preserved by using it for others.

As the cultural troupes danced into the night and prayers continued to rise, one prayer was on every lip: that Allah continues to grant the Royal Father long life, good health, and greater wisdom to steer the ship of Mumuye land for many more years.

Long live His Royal Highness Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II.

Long live Mumuye Chiefdom.

Long live Taraba State.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this medium.

Leadership Is Not About Office, Taraba THERAPY Council Says, Showcases Nyameh’s Achievements

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba THERAPY Campaign Council has highlighted the achievements of Professor Jerome Nyameh, governorship hopeful of the Accord Party, saying his record at Taraba State University (TSU) demonstrates his capacity for leadership and institution-building.

The council’s Director of Media, Communication and Re-orientation, Mallam Lawal Sani Kona, disclosed this in Jalingo on Saturday, citing Nyameh’s tenure as Director of the university’s Entrepreneurship Centre, which he said was transformed into a revenue-generating institution.

According to the council, Nyameh registered the centre with the Corporate Affairs Commission and established a printing enterprise with a single printer, without taking a bank loan.

The initiative has since grown into an enterprise that serves the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other agencies, with an annual turnover of one hundred and fifty million naira, the council said.

Other ventures attributed to Nyameh include the TSU Bakery, a National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)-approved Meat Store Complex, commercial shops, and the locally produced ERISTU VITA and ERISTU CEREAL.

Kona said Nyameh’s record demonstrated that leadership should be measured by tangible achievements rather than the political offices an individual has held.

“Leadership is not defined by the political offices one has occupied, but by the problems one has solved, the opportunities one has created, the institutions one has strengthened, and the lives one has touched,” he said.

He added that Nyameh also transformed entrepreneurship education at TSU by introducing compulsory industrial tours and practical entrepreneurship training for undergraduates.

According to Kona, the initiative was designed to equip students with practical skills to create jobs and establish sustainable businesses rather than depend solely on paid employment after graduation.

On humanitarian interventions, the council said the Ferdinand Patrick Nyameh Foundation, established in 2006, had reached more than five thousand beneficiaries, including widows, orphans and vulnerable children, through skills acquisition programmes, scholarships and other forms of support.

Kona also cited the construction of the Joyce Jerome Nyameh Maternity and Clinic in Zing, which he said provides a twenty per cent discount on medical services and drugs.

He argued that Nyameh’s experience in education, enterprise development and humanitarian service demonstrated his capacity to contribute to the development of Taraba State.

“If Professor Jerome Nyameh could accomplish so much as a private citizen, educator, and institution builder, imagine what he can achieve with the opportunity to serve all the people of Taraba State,” Kona said.

Police Debunk Viral Report of Wife Cutting Off Husband's Manhood In Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Police Command has debunked a viral report alleging that a 24-year-old woman, Maimuna, cut off her husband's manhood leading to his death in Gashaka Local Government Area.

The Command said verification by the Divisional Police Officer, Serti Division, did not establish the incident.

In a press release issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, the Command said the DPO went after hearing viral reports conducted an on-the-ground verification and made inquiries within Maigoje Village, Mai Idanu Ward and surrounding communities.

"The verification exercise did not establish the occurrence of the alleged incident, and the communities contacted did not confirm the claims contained in the publication," the statement said.

The Command said it therefore has no confirmed information substantiating the report.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Edwin Ogbeghagha, urged the public and media practitioners to exercise caution and verify sensitive reports before sharing.

The Command also cautioned against fabrication and dissemination of false information, warning that such conduct violates applicable laws and will be handled in accordance with due process.

Taraba: Housewife Allegedly Severs Husband's Manhood, Victim Dies

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A 24-year-old housewife has allegedly severed her husband's manhood in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State over jealousy.

The victim, 30-year-old Haruna Ishaka, died hours after the attack.

The incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on Monday during a domestic dispute at the couple's residence.

Sources told our reporter that the deceased was attacked following disagreements over his alleged extramarital affairs with young girls.

It was gathered that his wife, Maimuna, had repeatedly warned him to desist from the act, but he failed to heed her warning.

Haruna reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday and has been buried according to Islamic rites, while his wife fled the village.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, said the Divisional Police Officer was on his way to the scene.

"I am aware of the report. The DPO is heading to the location as we speak," Mshelizah said.

He added that investigation was ongoing and efforts were underway to arrest the fleeing suspect.

ASUU Faults Kefas Aides Over Claim TSU Pays Highest Salaries

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) chapter, has debunked claims by appointees of Governor Agbu Kefas that the institution is the highest paying university in Nigeria.

The union described the claim as false, misleading and unsupported by any verifiable record.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of ASUU-TSU, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, said the union took note with grave concern of a podcast circulated on social media by a social media hireling of the government, whose comments exposed his ignorance.

Mbave said the figures from the state government's own fact-finding report and salary structures of other universities contradict the claim.

He said the report titled "Report on the Implementation of Consolidated Academic/Teaching Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Allowance (CONTTA)" covering Gombe State University, Sa'adu Zungur University Bauchi, Yobe State University and Adamawa State University, was presented to the union on September 24, 2026.

"The report established that the institutions covered had fully implemented the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement. It follows that staff of these institutions earn more than their counterparts at Taraba State University," he said.

The union gave comparative figures to puncture the claim, "Graduate Assistant CONUASS 01 at TSU earns N237,331.33 while the same rank at Rivers State University earns N559,577.49.

Professor CONUASS 07 Step 10 at TSU earns N1,002,801.94 while at Rivers State University the same rank earns N3,355,231.10. Professor CONUASS 07 Step 7 at TSU earns N984,806.69 while Graduate Assistant at Delta State University Abraka earns N503,574.00 and Professor CONUASS 07 Step 10 at Delta State University earns N1,667,280.00. Benue State University also pays higher than TSU," he added.

Mbave disclosed that TSU staff sacrificed arrears in the interest of industrial harmony, as the 30% National Minimum Wage and the 25%/35% wage award were never implemented at TSU and no arrears were paid.

He noted that Bauchi State was among the first in the North to implement all the wage adjustments and CATA without constituting committees.

The union urged the public to disregard false claims and demanded full implementation of the 2025 FG-ASUU agreement and payment of outstanding arrears.

TSU-ASUU Shuts Down Varsity indefinitely

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University (ASUU-TSU) Chapter on Monday declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite shuts down of the institution's activities.

This according to the union chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, in a statement, explained that the decision follows the continued delay by governor Agbu Kefas to implement the union's demands.

"The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University (ASUU-TSU) Chapter, wishes to inform the general public that it has resolved to commence a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action with immediate effect from 12th October, 2026.

The action is based on two key demands:

1. Immediate implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU remuneration agreement at Taraba State University.

2. Immediate payment of all accrued salary arrears from January 2026 to the date and full implementation of the agreed remuneration structure.

"The Union wishes to state that it has demonstrated considerable patience, responsibility and commitment to dialogue throughout this process. Since February 2026, ASUU-TSU has engaged the Taraba State Government on the matter, leading to the constitution of a verification committee to assess the existing salary structure and level of implementation across the North East.

"The verification exercise was concluded with the report presented 24th September, 2026. Following government's appeal and request for additional time from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Union suspended its planned industrial action in the interest of industrial harmony.

"However, the continued delay in implementation despite the completion of these processes has compelled the Union to commence this industrial action.

"ASUU-TSU wishes to emphasise that this action is not a rejection of dialogue. The Union remains open to meaningful and constructive engagement with government and relevant stakeholders. Such engagement, however, must be sincere, timely and directed towards achieving a definite resolution.

"We call on the Taraba State Government to respect the processes already concluded and take immediate steps towards implementing the agreed remuneration framework and settling all outstanding arrears.

"We urges the public to understand that this struggle is about ensuring fairness, protecting the dignity of university workers and upholding the sanctity of agreements reached in good faith". The statement declared.