Kefas Urges Nigerians, Media, Opposition to Scrutinise Government, Hold Leaders Accountable

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has urged journalists, civil society organisations, opposition parties and citizens to intensify scrutiny of government activities and demand accountability from public officials.

Kefas made the call on Thursday in Jalingo while speaking with journalists as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State.

The governor said democratic governments should not be afraid of criticism, arguing that questioning those in authority is a key part of a functioning democracy. He said the media, opposition and citizens all have important roles to play in monitoring government.

“Government should not fear scrutiny. The media must ask questions. Civil society must ask questions. Citizens must ask questions. The opposition has a constitutional responsibility to question government,” he said.

Kefas acknowledged that Taraba had recorded progress since its creation but admitted that several challenges remained. He listed roads, potable water, electricity, education, healthcare, employment and security among areas that still require sustained attention.

The governor said his administration inherited significant challenges when it took office in 2023 but insisted that the situation could not be used indefinitely as an excuse for poor performance. He said the government was working to strengthen institutions and create systems that would support faster and measurable development.

“Whatever we inherited cannot remain an excuse for failure. It is a challenge to give our people a better direction,” Kefas said.

He also encouraged residents to independently examine government projects by visiting project sites, engaging host communities and assessing available evidence before judging the administration’s performance. While welcoming criticism, he urged citizens and critics to base their assessments on facts rather than assumptions.

“Where we succeed, acknowledge it; where we fail, tell us. Where something can be improved, propose a better way. That is how democracy becomes useful to society,” the governor said.