There have been huge controversy over the choice of the People’s Democratic Party’s chairmanship flag bearer in the sixteen local governments councils of the state.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas said he would subject the stakeholder’s list to further scrutiny and will not allow any form of marginalization, adding that he has taking note of all complaints.
A close source to the Governor is quoted as saying the Governor has been very concerned about several reports of marginalization and not carrying some critical stakeholders along in the process of the selection.
There have been complaints across the sixteen local governments, some local Government like Donga have not been able to come to a consensus as the report indicated that they submitted 7 names, a source told our correspondent that the governor many settled for a neutral candidate outside the seven candidates’ names submitted.
Also, Bali, Yorro, and Ardo Kola have submitted the names of two candidates each, as stakeholders in those areas have not come to terms with whom to choose.
In Bali, the fight is said to be between the Deputy Speaker, Hammaadama, and the Member Representing Bali two Veronica Alhassa, the two candidates are Hon. Aboki Dauda Dakka and Micah Danbaba. In Yorro the PDP faction Loyal to former Deputy Speaker Gwampo and that of former Commissioner of Agric David Kassa have not been able to agree on one single candidate as our report shows that Cleophas Nyatoruba and Martina Anthony, names are submitted, there is the likelihood that the Governor may not settle for any of the two according to a source.
In Ardo Kola, the fight is between the faction loyal to House representative member Hon Lauya, who is believed to be rooting for Alhaji Isma’ila Zakari (Dangote) while the current member of Assembly from the area Hon. Happy is said to be rooting for Victor Yakubu.
.
Even in some local Governments where one name was submitted, there were complaints of marginalization and not inclusion of some of the critical stakeholders.
Some stakeholders from Sardauna have been kicking against the nomination of Emmanuel Bongo.
Takum Stakeholders from Asibiti ward have been complaining that they where not carried along in the selection of the Council from there area and also in the selection of the Chairmanship candidate, a former member of Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon Ajiya told Journalists that nobody in their ward was consulted.
The same complaints have been received from IBi, Karim Lamido, Lau, Takum, and Gassol.
As at the time of going to the press this morning, the Committee members led by the former Deputy Governor Haruna Manu have not been able to see the Governor to submit their report to him in Abuja, a close source told Journalists that the Governor gave them an appointment for 5 pm yesterday but could not be able to see them.
Observers are waiting for the action the Governor will take to take care of the concerns of the general public.
In Ussa local government, a group under the Voice of Ussa Youth Concerned Group, the supporters of PDP feels very unhappy with the development and are threatening that, unless that decision is revisited they will not accept same.
It is therefore imperative that the leaders of people democratic party PDP in the state to have a second look at that decision in other to avoid chaos in the local government area concerned.
According to source, Amb. Peter Shenwun work tirelessly against people democratic party in the elections that produces the government of the day.
“Supposing APC won governorship election, would they allow the same thing happened as is being imagined ?
“The answer is of course in the negative. It is strongly advised that, Amb. Peter Shenwun being desirous to run for chairmanship of the local government election, should so run under APC, his political party rather than trying to create confusion in PDP.
In Ardo Kola local government, through an open letter, express their rejection of the Selection of Hon. Zakari as Consensus Candidate of the PDP in Ardo Kola Local Government. The letter reads:
“Dear Taraba State Government, PDP Special Committee and All Ardo Kola Critical Stake Holders.
We, the Mummuye Community in Ardo Kola, write this letter to express our strong opposition and rejection of the selection of Hon. Zakari as the consensus candidate for Ardo-Kola local Government Chairmanship Election.
“We believe that his alleged involvement in the demise of our illustrious son, Hon Salihu Dovo, renders him unfit for any leadership role within our community.
“The loss of Hon. Salihu Dovo has left an indelible mark on our community. He was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many, embodying the values of integrity, compassion, and dedication.
“His untimely demise has plunged our community into deep sorrow and anguish, and we are determined to seek justice on his behalf.
“It has come to our attention that Hon. Zakari’s hand has been implicated in the unfortunate incident surrounding Salihu Dovo’s death.
“The evidence presented thus far, along with the testimonies of witnesses, raise serious concerns about his alleged involvement.
“As responsible members of our community, we cannot turn a blind eye to such allegations, especially when it involves a potential leader who should epitomize trustworthiness and accountability.
Given the gravity of this situation and the potential implications for our community, we humbly request the intervention of the state government.
“We implore you to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure that justice is served. It is our firm belief that the truth must prevail, and the responsible parties should be held accountable for their actions.
“We acknowledge that the case is currently before the court, and we respect the legal process. However, we believe that the involvement of the state government can help expedite the proceedings and ensure a fair and unbiased trial. We trust in your commitment to upholding justice and preserving the dignity of our community.
“Furthermore, we kindly request that you consider the sentiments and wishes of the Mummuye Community in Ardo Kola.
“We stand united in our rejection of Hon. Zakari as a potential candidate. We urge you to take our concerns into serious consideration and review the selection process accordingly.
“In closing, we emphasize that our rejection of Hon. Zakari’s candidacy is rooted in our pursuit of justice and the preservation of our community’s values.
“We seek a leader who will inspire trust, promote unity, and work tirelessly for the betterment of our community.
“We trust that the state government will thoroughly evaluate our concerns and take appropriate action to address them.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter. We eagerly await your timely response and hope for a resolution that aligns with the principles of justice and fairness – the letter concluded.
In Sardauna local government, stake holders denies nomination of Hon. Emmanuel Bongo whom according to them, was the Leader of the 2015 Crisis that burnt down the Residential homes of Chief GT Kataps, RT. Hon. Abel Peter Diah, Late HRH. Amb. Emmanuel Q. Njiwah and others.
According to a Critical Stakeholder, Benjamin F. Garba said,
“No meeting was held as of last week till date but, rumours have it that some few individuals who are close to Gov. Agbu Kefas selected Hon. Emmanuel Bongo who contested for Member State House of Assembly in the just Concluded 2023 General Elections at Mbamnga Constituency and lost out due incompetency and incredibly but was selected the few selfish individuals, leaving out Credible and Competent Candidates”
He said “they also selected Barr. Dahiru Abbo, the Secretary of Miyetti Allah, Taraba State Chapter as the Vice Chairman who has no record of a Peace Maker on the Mambilla Plateau”
This Selection was done without the stakeholders, Traditional Rulers and Elders of Sardauna Local Government of all Tribes.
Another Stakeholder and an Elder at Gembu Alh. Ahmad Umar Tamvia stated that “Sardauna Local has 3 Members state House of Assembly and 2 are APC and one is PDP.
The Member House of Representative for Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna Federal Constituency is also APC from Sardauna.
Obviously, Sardauna is an APC Local Government.
He added that the Governor is supposed to call the 3 Members who hold Elective Positions and the Member Federal House of Representative to sit together and nominate an acceptable candidate for the Local Government and not just the Political Appointees.
And for the few self-centered individuals, if they will not keep their selfish interests aside, come down and rub minds with APC who holds the majority of up to 95% in Sardauna and the minority PDP stakeholders on a Competent, Credible and Acceptable Candidate for Sardauna Local Government. APC may Produce a candidate and they will win the Election at the Polls with no doubt.
According to him, the Kaka Tribe are also warming up to decamp to APC, this is because they are Second in Population after Mambilla Tribe, the Vice Chairman have been their slot but this same few selfish individuals hijacked it to the Fulani who are setlers at Nguroje.
“This calls for an urgent intervention by His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas – he said.
This is coming in less than 48 hours after the inaugural of the PDP Special Projects Committee, the process for the selection of a consensus appears to be rocked by crisis.
There are complaints from different angles about the way the committee is handling its assignment.
The committee is being accused of choosing an unpopular candidate reportedly being imposed on them by a stakeholder and member of the committee from Ibi Local Government Area.
A coalition of candidates vying for the Ibi LGA Chairmanship has accused Amb. Idris Waziri of presenting his blood brother, Iliya Ajibu, as the candidate for the 18 November election.
Speaking to Journalists, the coalition said Amb. Idris called the PDP Chairman of the Southern Zone, Hon. Jonathan Adasho, to inform him that Gov Kefas had given him an express slot to nominate the candidate for the Ibi LGA Chairmanship.
Members of the coalition also accused the Zonal Chairman of excluding major critical stakeholders of the LGA from a meeting he summon.
They, therefore, called on Gov Kefas and the Special Projects Committee Chairman, Senator Haruna Manu, to urgently intervene in the matter, saying the way and manner some of the stakeholders were going about the process would jeopardize the good intention of the Governor.
All efforts to get the reaction of Amb. Waziri proved abortive as he did not reply to text messages sent to his phone. The Chairman of the committee also refused to speak to the press, saying he wanted to complete the assignment given to him by the governor before talking to the press.
Speaking on the issue, the leader of Southern Conference of United Methodist Church Rev Dr Philip Micah Dopah challenge Yorro politicians to be United irrespective of their party differences.
The leader made stated this in Kayya, Laapelevire district during the 1st District Conference of Laapelevire district, he said Yorro is one house and one family hence the need to have common goal.
He expressed dismay at the uncertainty of PDP consensus candidate that will fly the party flag in the forthcoming local government council election, while other Local Governments settled peacefully.
According to him the 2 candidates are members of Southern Conference of United Methodist Church, the leader called them to have one interest and settle in peace for the betterment of Yorro and Southern Conference of United Methodist Church.
