Taraba state governor Dr Agbu Kefas have set a superlative for political appointments of those to work in his administration. In what can be best described as exceptional and unusual in political appointment, the new state boss in a statement signed by the permanent secretary Jemimah Nwunuji from the office of the secretary to the government of the state directs critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, council of elders and local government party executives in synergy to consult and nominate 3 suitable qualified candidates from each local governments to be appointed into his cabinet.
The statements adds that the nominees must be reasonable educated with cognate experience in the public sector, the nominees must be familiar and have sufficient knowledge of the local government of representatives, the nominees must have self-discipline, creativity, innovative and be of good character.
Further directives says the nomination should reflect the zoning principles accepted in the local government of base on the equitable distribution across the various tribes in the local government areas; preferences and recourse be made to areas that produced highest votes.
Governor Kefas had pledged during his campaign to have a paradigm shift to youth and women inclusiveness in his administration, and with his readiness to set the ball rolling with his new cabinet from 30th June, have set in motion the selection process, which will also serve as a key factor to the success or failure of his government.
An assertion by Robert Brathe reveals “If you make more appointments with quality people, you will have less disappointment with non quality people
The gesture by the state governor to lay a transparent process in the selection of people to run the affairs of the government alongside with him is no doubt commendable by residents of the state.
While some commend the move as a deliberate and consented effort to place people base on merit and credibility to positions, others base their argument from a different perspective.
Salihu umar who resides in Jankada commends the moves ” it is a great decision and I support his leadership style of making choices, let’s just hope it will come out positively, let us all pray for him to succeed” Umar stated.
Deborah a civil servant, however has a contrary view to the selection process she based her argument from a political viewpoint. ” The selection is mainly for the people from his party, I feel the appointment of political office holders from one party should be aborted from all levels of government, I expect the governor to get credible people irrespective of their political parties to work with, if truly he wants to run an all inclusiveness government”. Deborah argues.
Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people the many reasons Isah Ahmed a trader in Jalingo main market is convinced the process is deserving. “It is good he deems it necessary to give an opportunity for a common man to serve, I want to appeal the governor gives the platform for new set of people. We do not want old hands any longer. Let him welcome new ideas from new set of people”. Isah stressed.
Moses David opines the same as Isah but further emphasized the people selected should be thoroughly screened and the need to avoid tribal and ethno religious sentiments should be the utmost check in the new administration.
Taraba State’s political landscape is a captivating tapestry, where diversity and regional dynamics intertwine in a complex dance. It is a battleground where ideologies clash, alliances are formed and broken, and the pursuit of power converges with the dreams of its diverse population. However, despite its potential, Taraba State has been described as progressing at a snail pace.
As the ultimate search of political appointees continues, Governor Agbu Kefas inaugural speech declaring that he will be an accessible, responsive, consultative, and be proactive governor, dedicated to serving the needs of the people in every matter of state governance re- echoes in the heart of the people.