By Godwin Agia, Taraba
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has warned political actors against recruiting young people into violence, saying no political ambition is worth the life of any citizen.
Speaking on Friday during activities marking Taraba's 35th anniversary, Kefas noted that as political activities increase, leaders must compete with ideas, not weapons.
Kefas urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial, while traditional rulers should continue to act as fathers to all, and also called on political leaders to act responsibly and for young people to reject being used by politicians.
According to him, his advocacy for "A United State of Taraba" is rooted in the need for collective unity across religious and ethnic lines to develop the state.
"As political activities increase, let us compete with ideas. Let us campaign and disagree but let us not recruit young people into violence.
"We must not weaponise ethnicity and religion. We must not introduce dangerous weapons into our communities. No one's ambition is worth the blood of a Taraba citizen.
"No religion, political party or ethnic group can develop Taraba alone. No Local Government can permanently prosper while another part of the State collapses.
"Our diversity should be our strength. It must never become a weapon against us. Of all the projects we are undertaking, none is more important than our unity," Kefas stated.
He also explained his decision to move from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, describing it as a strategic step to improve Taraba’s engagement with the Federal Government.
"My decision was not an abandonment of those who elected me. It was not an abandonment of my principles. It was a strategic step designed to strengthen Taraba's engagement with the Federal Government and widen development partnerships.
"Political parties are instruments through which leaders pursue service. I did not change my commitment to Taraba. I strengthened the platform from which I pursue that commitment," the Governor added.
He assured that the state will work constructively with President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, but will defend Taraba’s interests on issues of security, resources and welfare.
Kefas announced Taraba CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme scheduled to run from October 2026 to March 2027.
He said the programme will provide food assistance, household support, temporary jobs, agricultural inputs, health outreach and support for vulnerable groups.
"Taraba CARES does not belong to APC, Christians, Muslims or one tribe. It belongs to vulnerable Taraba citizens who genuinely need intervention. Selection must be based on verified need, transparency and community accountability," he explained.
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