Kefas: Detractors Feeding Danjuma Lies About Me

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has launched a sharp rebuttal against what he describes as a coordinated smear campaign intended to poison his relationship with elder statesman General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.). Addressing a solidarity delegation of traditional rulers from his hometown of Wukari, the governor revealed that “rumour merchants” have been making frequent trips to the retired general to present a distorted view of his administration.

The meeting, held on Thursday at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, served as a platform for the governor to clarify his standing with the man widely regarded as his political godfather. Amidst swirling speculation of a frosty rift, Kefas insisted that their bond is not only intact but “sound, firm, and solid.” He argued that the attempts to drive a wedge between them are born of political desperation as the state begins to eye the 2027 electoral cycle.

According to Kefas, those attempting to manipulate Danjuma are underestimating the general’s legendary discernment. He noted that as a seasoned soldier and disciplined leader, Danjuma possesses an innate capacity to distinguish between genuine governance and fabricated gossip. “Some people go to General Danjuma to criticize me, but he knows me better than they do,” Kefas said. He suggested that Danjuma’s support was based on a deep understanding of his vision for Taraba, one that is not easily shaken by “lies.”

The governor used the occasion to reflect on his broader philosophy for the state, emphasizing that his mandate extends far beyond his local roots in Wukari. He spoke of the need for inclusive governance in a state that boasts over 80 ethnic groups, asserting that every citizen deserves the dividends of democracy regardless of their background. This inclusive approach, he claimed, is exactly what his critics find threatening.

Beyond the internal politics of the state, Kefas made a significant pivot toward national alignment. In a move that signaled a shift in the state’s political identity, he urged Taraba residents to register en masse with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following his own high-profile defection to the party, the governor argued that Taraba cannot afford to remain in political isolation. He emphasized that a strong presence within the ruling party at the center is the most effective way to attract federal projects and development.

This call for APC mobilization was framed as a strategic necessity rather than a mere partisan choice. Kefas promised that his administration would work tirelessly to ensure the state delivers a “strong mandate” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. By aligning Taraba with the “center,” the governor believes he is securing a more prosperous future for a state that has often felt neglected in the national conversation.

The traditional rulers, led by the Aku Uka of Wukari, HRM Dr. Ishaku Ada Ali, expressed their unwavering support for the governor’s developmental strides. The monarch listed several key projects, including internal road networks in Wukari and the Takum Junction flyover, as evidence of the governor’s commitment to transforming the state’s infrastructure. The delegation’s visit was seen as a powerful vote of confidence in Kefas’s leadership style and his ability to weather political storms.

Addressing the security challenges that have plagued parts of the state, Kefas also announced a pilot resettlement project for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He assured the traditional rulers that his administration is committed to ensuring that all those who were forced to flee their homes would eventually return to their communities in safety. This humanitarian focus, he suggested, is a core part of the “capacity and discipline” that Danjuma recognizes in him.

Ultimately, the governor’s message was one of resilience. By labeling his critics as “detractors” and “rumour merchants,” he attempted to delegitimize their complaints as nothing more than political noise. He remains confident that as long as his relationship with Danjuma remains unshaken, his path to 2027 remains clear. For Kefas, the “truth” of his performance is the only weapon needed to defeat the propaganda being whispered in Jalingo and beyond.