Gen. Faransa's special task force goes militant on govts' mining property in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Brigadier General. Jeremiah Faransa Rtd, led Taraba state Special Task force on Illegal Mining and Deforestation has burnt down brand new government mining equipments procured by governor Agbu Kefas.

Whent contacted, Mr. David Matsai, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Solid Mineral Resources, confirmed the incident and he will intimate the action of the Faransa led task force to governor Kefas.

"Yes, the brand new mining machines destroyed by the Gen. Jeremiah Faransa led Taraba state Special Task force on Illegal Mining and Deforestation, are owned by the Taraba state government. They were procured by governor Agbu Kefas through the Bureau for Solid Mineral Resources, and we were directed by the governor to take the machines to the mining site at Akwana, Wukari local government.

"But I will reserve my comment for now until governor Kefas return from his trip back to Jalingo before everyone would know the truth about the matter. I am not answerable to General Faransa. The Permanent secretary confirmed.

Meanwhile, the task force officials blamed the state government for communication gap.

Mr. Ibrahim Zuppai, the spokesperson for the task force claimed that the task force thought the equipment belongs to illegal miners.

"We are not aware that the state government procured mining equipment. We were out that day for our normal routine operations. It was after the operation that we started hearing stories that those equipments belong to the government.

“The fault is from the Bureau for Solid Mineral Development, I learned they were asked to take the equipment to Wukari local government Secretariat but they moved them to the mining site without briefing the task force Chairman, general Faransa. This is not the first time we are burning equipment at mining sites.

“In most cases, these illegal miners run on siting us during operations, so in order to stop them from returning to the sites, we set their equipments ablaze. The Saturday’s exercise that affect the government who formed the task force was not the first destruction exercise we have carried out since inaugurated in June 2023". Zuppai, the task force spokesperson defended.

Meanwhile, locals in the area said, general Jeremiah Faransa turn deaf ears to their explanation when he led military officers to distroye the machines 

Mr. Clement Hinku, an eye witness told our correspondent that Faransa and his soldier stormed the mining site on Saturday with fuel in five 25Lts jerricans and ordered the army officers to burn down everything at sight.

"They came with five 25Lts jerrican of fuel and he, "general Faransa", asked them to burn down every thing at the mining site. We approach him and told him that the machines belongs to state government but he said it was not true. He told us that the governor and the Bureau did not brief him that such equipments have been procured. We insisted that the Bureau Permanent secretary lead the government team that brought the machines to the site but he rather asked us to stay away from him before his boys, the army officers would turn against us.

"They burnt  2 excavators, drilling machines, sound proof Mikano generators, pumping machines, dictating machines, motorcycles and other mining equipments. Mr. Hinku narrated.

Don't join the Nation wide protest -ex Gov Nyame appeals

 

By Agia Godwin in Jalingo 

The Taraba State former Governor and elder statesman, Rev. Jolly Nyame has appealed to all his supporters to shun the planned nationwide protest because the outcome of the protest could become a menace to the nation and cause more damage than good.

Nyame made the call on Sunday at a Press conference in Jalingo while addressing the Yorro community from Taraba and Adamawa.

The elder statesman maintained that, rather than taking to the streets and creating anarchy and chaos, Nigerians should learn from the experience in Kenya and other parts of the world where similar protests have led to a total breakdown of law and order, inflicting more hardship on the people.

"There is no doubt that our beloved country is going through one of the toughest challenges in history. There is glaring shortages of all the basic things we need for survival, including food, education for our children and affordable health facilities. I am aware that many families stay for days without food and other necessities. 

This unfortunate situation has exposed us to all types of lamentations against the privileged class and all levels of governance in our Country. As a Community leader, I feel for all of you.

"Incidentally, this is the reason for this briefing. As the saying goes "A Hungry man is an Angry man". This bad situation is bound to tempt us into taking drastic and regrettable action.

 As the Ecclesiastes say, "There is time for everything under the sun", including prosperity and sufferings. Many of us in this gathering have gone through good times and bad times in the past, but by the grace of God, we are still moving on.

"We are all aware of the plan by some Nigerians to vent their anger on the government by agreeing to a National Protest or shutdown. I must admit that in view of certain policies and long standing national issues, the Government should take the blame for some of the problems affecting our Nation. 

However, we as Nigerians must examine our actions in the face of this unfortunate situation, to see whether or not we have contributed positively or otherwise in our various walks of life, to this situation.

"For this reason, I must warn you against joining the so-called National citizens protest being planned against the Government under the guise of advocating for good Governance. Where as every Nigerian has the right to complain or protest against bad governance, the language employed by the planners is threatening, divisive and clearly aims at removing a democratically elected Government. 

This action can only worsen the situat.on and endanger the lives of thousands of people. There is already a Constitutional means of removing a bad Government through the ballot box and not brigandage and terrorism. 

"As you all know, YORRO is a peaceful and hard working Nation, with the people engaged in various noble means of livelihood, like farming. Indeed, we are among the largest producers of yams and other food items in Nigeria. We are not an idling society in which people engage in all types of vices for survival. 

We have no time to waste in a National protest that can only promote destruction, anarchy and loss if lives. Simply said, as a peaceful and law abiding community, the Yorro Nation should not join the so-called Nationwide protest against the Government, for our own good and the safety of the communities" Nyame said.

Ministry lauds IFAD VCDP's outstanding performance in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFC), has lauded outstanding performance of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s Value Chain Development programme (VCDP) in Taraba.

Hajiya Fatima Haruna from the Projects Cortdinating Unit of the ministry, who led the monitoring team to the state, said she was proud of the performance of the VCDP team in the state.

"Taraba is clearly outstanding among all the states we have visited. It was a good sight on our way from Wukari to Jalingo to see storage and processing facilities built by the project in all the places," she said.

Haruna commended the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mr Irimiya Musa and his team for the good work they have been doing to improve livelihood of rural dwellers in the state.

According to her, Taraba has also embrace clearly social inclusion in the implementation of the project, especially in the marketing aspect of the value chan, where people with disability were empowered to be self reliant.

Our correspondent reports that VCDP, has been intervening to improve rice and cassava production, processing and marketing, creating job opportunities for the youths, women and people with disability along the value Chain.

The intervention cuts across Jalingo, Wukari, Karim-Lamido, Ardo-Kola, Takum, Bali, Donga, and Gassol Local Government Councils of the state. 

The team, visited some projects including a solar powered borehole at the state Veterinary hospital and whale house, Adult Literacy School in Jalingo and Mayo-Gwoi Market, where some persons with disability, empowered by the project, were trading.

Mr Irimiya Musa, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), thanked the team for the visit, saying their inputs would enable the state team record greater successes.

Taraba NBA pledges to further training of young lawyers for efficiency

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The newly inaugurated chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jalingo branch, Martin Milkman on Saturday pledged to prioritize training of young lawyers to enhance efficiency of lawyers in the State.

This is even as he promised to create a robust relationship with the state government for improved welfare of members.

Milkman who spoke to newsmen shortly after his inauguration also noted that he will liaise  with key stakeholders to create an alternative source of income for the Bar.

According to him the specialised training for the young lawyers will prepare them for the tasks ahead and for effective service delivery.

"Under my watch, I will collaborate with the office of the attorney general of the State to ensure that indigent clients are fully represented by counsel at the expense of the government.

"I will build on what the past administration has done, by creating a robust relationship with the state government and the key stakeholders in the ministry of justice. We will also work on creating alternative sources of income for the Bar. 

"We will also be looking at the welfare of our members, the magistrate, those in the private Bar, official Bar, the young lawyers even the ones in the military and paramilitary that are our members.

"Efforts be made to liaise with all the necessary authorities to organise a specialised training for our members, particularly the young lawyers, the magistrate, and the prosecutors in the ministry of justice," he said.

While applauding the state chief Judge for the establishment of the e-filing and small claims court, Milkman also thanked the State Governor, Dr. Agbu kefas for creating an enabling environment for them to practice.

Malaria: Coalition decry inadequate supply of ITNs, other hospital equipments in Taraba PHC.

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Association of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, Nutrition and Tuberculosis Control (ACOMIN), on Friday decried the inadequate supply of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and other hospital equipments in some Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in some parts of Taraba state.

Alhaji Tanko Danburam, the ACOMIN State Chairman disclosed during an advocacy visit to the Federal Medical Centre and the Essential Drug Office in Jalingo that the situation was negatively impacting the lives of people in the area, and appealed to both state and federal governments to redouble their efforts in providing more Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and other hospital consumables to enable the association win the fight against malaria in Taraba State.

According to ACOMIN chairman, the high spread of malaria in some parts of the state was becoming scaring and threat to lives.

He noted that the supply of more treated Nets would curb the situation. This is just as he disclosed that the association has identify inadequate supply of essential health equipments for personnels handling TB cases in some PHC facilities in the state

"The alarming spread of malaria in some parts of Taraba is a matter that requires more governmet attention to tackle. We wish to appeal to both state and federal government to redouble their efforts in providing more Insecticide-Treated mosquito net to curb the life threatening situation.

"Our visit to Garin-Magaji PHC in Lau LGA revealed that they have not been supplied with routine ITNs and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for a long time. This is critical because of the impact of malaria during pregnancy. Additionally, the Peva PHC in Takum local government area has not been covered for mass distribution of ITNs, and the same situation exists at Angwan Yandan in Bali local government area.

"We have discovered with dismay that some PHC facilities in the state were not been supply with the required equipments to handle TB cases. Most personnel do not even use masks and gloves while attending to a patient" He noted.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mikin Yunana Taraba state ACOMIN Programme Manager, explained during the visit that the association's component for Community-Led Monitoring (CLM), is targeted toward gathering input from service providers, recipients of services and affected communities in a routine and systematic manner.

Responding to the development, both Dr. Bala Yusuf of the Taraba State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control Programme, and the head of Essential Drug Jalingo, Mr. Shitta Rimamyaba promised to address the challenges with priority.

Insecurity: Group Condemns Gruesome Murder of Taraba monarch, demands justice

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba Tiv People's Association (TATIPA), Abuja, has expressed shock over the gruesome murder of a Taraba Monarch, HRH Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya, the Gara of Chanchanji, and his son, Yusuf Tanimu Kunbiya and called for investigation into the matter to bring the culprits to book 

A statement signed by the President of the Association, Mr Samuel Orhena, described the unfortunate incidence as a heinous and barbaric act that is a stark reminder of the evil that has bedeviled the society. 

The statement pointed out that members of the association are heartbroken and outraged by such senseless killing, which had left a trail of sorrow and anguish in its wake.

Its however, commended, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Governor of Taraba State, for his prompt action in curtailing the situation and ordering a full investigation into the attack.

"As a community, we welcome this approach to resolving security issues, especially compared to past incidence where people took the law into their hands. We support the Governor's initiative and back a thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

"We want to emphasize that no effort should be spared in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for this dastardly act. We also, urge the Governor to take concrete steps to prevent similar acts of violence in Southern Taraba, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens". The statement added. 

The statement further called on Law Enforcement Agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the act, ensuring that all efforts are made to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. 

While condoling the families of the victims, the people of Chanchanji, and the entire Chamba community in Taraba State, TATIPA emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical standards and respecting human rights during investigation.

The association expressed confidence that the various authorities would exercise restraint and professionalism in their investigation, ensuring the fragile peace in the area was not further disrupted, even as its pledged to offer its full support and cooperation during the process.

Recall that the 3rd Class Chief, HRH Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya, the Gara of Chanchanji, and his son, Yusuf Tanimu Kunbiya were murdered on Friday, July 19, 2024, along Takum-Chanchanji road in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Taraba street sweepers lament delayed stipend payment

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Members of Operation Keep Taraba Clean lamented on Friday that the State government, after seven months of nonpayment, has begun paying them as "spirit directed." 

The workers described the government's actions as insensitive given the current economic situation in the country.

Some of the workers who spoke to our  correspondent narrated that, given the current hardships faced by people, it was inconceivable that their allowances could be delayed longer than necessary.

When contacted, workers at various major streets in Jalingo metropolis, such as Mile-Six Bypass Road, Barde Way, ATC/Road-Block, and Hanmaruwa Way, disclosed that some of them received one month's allowance, while others received two, three, or four months' worth.

During our correspondent's tour, Miss Elizabeth Samson, Mrs. Talatu Usman, Mariam Musa, Joy Atta, and Mercy John all said that the situation was making life difficult for them as the prices of foodstuffs kept increasing.

Confirming the situation, the State Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Hon. Iliya Kefas, explained that over 2,000 workers have not been paid for one year, while other workers were owed seven months of allowances.

He noted with dismay that he had not received any running costs or his allowances for five and seven months. However, he stressed that the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, was aware of the development and was working around the clock to resolve the issue.

When asked why workers received different allowances, he referred our correspondent to the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), noting that the SSG was in a better position to answer the questions.

According to him, "Even the SSG owes me running costs of five months and allowances for seven months. So, I don't know the reason why they have not been paying. Not only me, over 2,000 workers have not received allowances for even one month, and the people are still working.

"Our Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, is aware of this case and directed the SSG. He told him that he is working urgently on it, but I don't know why we have not seen any payments yet," he said.

Gov. Kefas pledges good governance to maintain PDP winning streak in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Taraba Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas on Saturday said his administration will continue to provide good governance and maintain a clear line between politics and governance in the interest of the state.

The Governor who disclosed this during an expanded caucus meeting of the People's Democratic Party held in Jalingo the state capital lamented that most times politicians make promises during campaigns, but focus more on politics when elected than fulfilling the promises, thereby, eroding the people's trust and making it difficult to convince the electorates during elections.

According to him, "We are elected to provide good governance to the people and we will continue to do that and that is the only way we will continue to maintain the PDP winning streak in the state.

"We are going to do something different. We are already focusing on people orientated governance than politics so that the people of Taraba will not be tired of PDP."

Kefas also emphasized the need for party leaders to return to their respective wards and develop a consensus list of Ward and Local Government Council executives ahead of the state congress of the party slated for August.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Minister of Finance, Amb. Idris Waziri said the party during the meeting zoned key positions of the State Working Committee to the three zones to ensure balance and inclusivity of all stakeholders of the party in the state.

According to him, the State Party Chairman, Elder Nuhu Abe presented the guidelines and timetable for the upcoming PDP Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses on behalf of the committee, which was adopted at the meeting.

Sources at the meeting also informed our correspondent that a committee within the State Working Committee that was tasked with zoning various party offices for the upcoming State Congress also submitted their report to the Governor for final approval.

The meeting also affirmed that the Vice Chairmen of North, Central, and Southern zone who are currently serving their first term will continue in their roles.

Taraba govt to distributes another 226 tractors to boost food production

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State government is set to distributes Second batch of fifty three compact tractors and one hundred and seventy three small tractors to enhance agricultural food production in the State.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Namessan Oliver disclosed this after tractor distribution committee meeting held at the Governor Agbu Kefas Agricultural Mechanization Center at the TSTC in Jalingo.

He said all the twenty containers conveying the tractors are expected in the State within the week.

The Commissioner noted that the committee on the distribution of tractors have started collecting application forms from cooperative groups for onwards distributions.

Namessan reeled information on the application form to include signature of Chairman, Secretary and treasurer of the cooperative  group including the signatures of designated local government Chairmen, traditional rulers and others.

He appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas for subsidizing the tractors as the small tractors which cost nine million naira now goes for N4.5m after initial payment of N2.5m monthly payment for four years.

The Commissioner Further explained that the big tractors which cost seventy million naira was subside to thirty five million naira by Governor Agbu Kefas with initial payment of N17.5m and monthly payment of three hundred thousand naira for the period of four years.

He posited that the right thing would be done despite the slight delay in the distribution of the tractors as government is poised at identifying with genuine farmers to ensure food security.

Also speaking, Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Council, Dr Aminu Jauro Hassan who is a member of the distribution committee assured Governor Agbu Kefas of local government Chairmen resolve to always support his laudable programmes and policies.

On his part, Kru Jibbu Abubakar Mahmud thanked Governor Agbu Kefas on his peace efforts that has wade Taraba State of kidnapping and banditry and for providing fertilizers and other agro products to farmers.

He advised Tarabans to reciprocate the good intention of the governor by tolerating one another for the interest of Peace and development.

Be security conscious and law abiding, Gov. Kefas tells Corps members in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has urged Corps members posted to serve in Taraba State to be security conscious and law-abiding during their compulsory national service year.

Kefas gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 batch 'B' stream 1 corps members at Sibere permanent orientation camp in the Ardo-kola local government area of the State.

Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Alkali, Kefas enjoined Corps members to be patient and receptive to all instructions that would launch them into the unique process of patriotic service to the nation.

Kefas added that their security is guaranteed throughout their service period in the State, stressing that, despite security challenges all over the country, Taraba still remain peaceful.

"I want to assure you that, the scheme has done very well in the promotion of National Unity Integration, promotion of discipline and has helped vigorously to contribute to the accelerated growth and development of the Nation's economy as well as the fair distribution of Skilled manpower.

"As you begin your orientation course today, I enjoin you to remain disciplined, committed, resolute, diligent, security conscious and law-abiding to all times. Attend your lectures and SAED classes regularly as well as other scheduled activities on the camp. These self-enriching packages of the NYSC scheme were developed to help mouldat you into an independent and self-developed individual, geared towards enabling you to stand on your own and be ready to replicate same when you commence your primary assignment programme in the State" he said.

Earlier in his address, Taraba State NYSC coordinator, Mr. Ella Aji Williams While congratulating corps members for successfully completion of their various academic pursuits from there respective institutions of higher learning, urged them to embrace the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC.

"The course which officially kicks off today will encompass Para-military Drills, Socials, Sanitation, Lectures, Sports, and noble self-developing Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programs amongst others. 

"Be reminded too that your active participation in all scheduled programmes of the orientation course will increasingly prepare and equip you physically, psychologically, and mentally to face the rigour and challenges, you may encounter during the service year" coordinator added.

We have worked for 21 months without salary: Taraba college staff begs gov. Agbu Kefas

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Over 160 staff of Taraba State State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Jalingo who were  employed in 2022, have cried on to governor Agbu Kefas to commence payment of their salaries.

The college staff who spoke on anonymity said 21 months after they were employed and assigned to different departments of the school, they have not received salary for one month.

"We want to let governor Agbu Kefas know that since 2022 that we were employed as staff of Taraba State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Jalingo, we have not received any salary. "

"We are appealing that Kefas as a father who has shown love to the civil servants servants of Taraba should come to to our rescue by paying us to ease our suffering."

"We are not protesting. We are only crying to the governor to consider us.

"We want to believe that the governor who has so much passion for Education, and has demonstrated keen interest in developing the education sector of Taraba which the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology is inclusive, is not aware of what is happening to us. we believe that he has not been properly brief about our case and suffering."

"Just as Kefas is passionate about education, we want to inform His. Excellency that we are committed to delivering the desire quality services and ensure that his name is written in gold.

"We want to let our governor know that after one year of our employment without salaries, we made series of efforts to the relevant authorities to ensure the commencement of our salaries but all proved abortive.

"Many of us who have family members that are depending solely on us, working for close to two years without salary as well as the present hardship in Nigeria, the situation is becoming overwhelming. We want the governor to come to our rescue" The college staff beg.

When contacted, Mr. Tino Paul Maigida the Head of civil service Taraba state said, governor Kefas is going to look into the matter.

"The Governor asked me to see him with their memo when he comes back". The Head of civil service responded.