By Femi Bolaji

Jalingo – The Taraba State Government has strongly denied allegations of financial mismanagement and misappropriation against Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, calling them “unverifiable, misleading, and defamatory.”

In a statement addressing the claims, Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Barrister Zainab Usman, dismissed reports suggesting that the state was bankrupt, labeling them as fake news.

“The claim that Taraba State is bankrupt is false and baseless. Since assuming office, Governor Kefas has transformed Jalingo into a hub of infrastructural development, with many projects already completed and commissioned,” Usman stated.

She emphasized the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management, highlighting a significant increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“When this administration took over, the state’s IGR was ₦700 million. As of December 2024, it has risen to over ₦2 billion—an increase of more than 200%.”

She also pointed to the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities—something that had not been done since 2012.

“Furthermore, Taraba is one of the few states in Nigeria where workers now earn more than double their previous salaries, following the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. This would not have been possible if the state were in financial distress.”

Addressing claims that no significant projects had been executed, Usman listed several completed and ongoing infrastructure projects. She also refuted allegations that ₦100 billion had been misappropriated, clarifying that the funds were being used to service inherited loans while investing in key developmental projects.

“The governor has not handed over such an amount to any individual for any reason. Instead, the government is repaying loans inherited from past administrations while making significant strides in infrastructure and service delivery,” she stated.

Regarding allegations of diverting local government intervention funds, Usman insisted such claims were false.

“Just last week, the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs released funds to local government councils for developmental projects,” she said.

She further explained that to ensure these projects align with the state’s development master plan, Governor Kefas recently met with local government chairmen to present the Taraba Master Plan.

“In the last quarter of last year, funds were released to local councils, many of which have embarked on projects such as the construction of market stores and public toilets, among others.”

Usman reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency, development, and accountability, urging the public to disregard unfounded allegations.