Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, devoted the last 3 days to hard-hitting town hall meetings in the state. The initial idea was for a full day at each local government in the state. A slight change in schedule scaled it down to zonal meetings where all the LGAs in a zone can meet and articulate a common front.
It was a very effective strategy as each zone was able to meet and brainstorm even before the governor’s visit. Although some common needs run through the zones, the town hall provided unique insights into other peculiar areas of needs. The various speakers across the zones spoke passionately, often first acknowledging the governor’s success story in security, education, and agriculture. Thereafter, they delve into areas of needs.
For Kefas, the town halls were an avenue to link what he already knew with citizens talking about them in real time. He said the face to face contact is an avenue to connect. He said, “I already know the needs of my people. Apart from what I gleaned during the campaigns, I’ve also sent special groups to articulate the immediate and remote needs of our people to aid us in prioritising these challenges. We have limited resources and must, therefore, prioritise. Thus, these visits will help in affording me the opportunity to hear directly from the people.”
Earlier on before the trips, Kefas had sat with correspondents and reporters to share his thoughts on the town halls. He told newsmen that the trips are also a media tour of sorts, where the reporters will also listen to the people. He reiterated his often held position that the media is his ally in the effort to develop Taraba state. He called for greater synergy between the media and government. That was on Sunday.
Monday morning saw the governor and his team racing through the bad federal roads of Wukari-Jalingo to kick start the first of the town halls in Wukari- Headquarters of the southern senatorial zone. It was both a rousing homecoming and an opportunity to have deep discussions on the collective needs of the area. The governor noted that travelling by road to the town halls has brought the plight of road users to the front burner. The Wukari meet, for Kefas is both symbolic and strategic in the new push to move the state forward. It was here, in this town, that his world view was shaped. He therefore recommitted himself to the centrepiece of his political life – to uplift people from ignorance and poverty. Clearly, a fire was rekindled.
The following day, the team found itself in Bali, the zonal headquarters of the central zone. Here, too, Governor Kefas told the citizens that he came to sharpen his focus and enrich himself with the people’s point of view. A good listener, he attentively absorbed the presentations by all the speakers. For the Bali people, roads and electricity were major needs. Like in Wukari, access to markets by farmers was a nagging worry. Healthcare centers for maternity purposes was also raised. The governor reassured the people that he is completely committed to their welfare.
On Wednesday, Kefas had the grand finale in Jalingo, the state Headquarters. A capacity crowd convereged at the Jolly Nyame Stadium. It was eager to hear from their leader. Kefas, however, told them he wanted to hear from them just as hes done the in last two days in the other zones. Once again, the issues of road, light, and water surfaced. However, former Governor Jolly Nyame said Kefas has really tried in connecting with everyone in spite of their political affiliation. He said developments are no longer easy due to the economic conditions, noting that he wondered what, for instance, a new stadium will cost in present day exchange rates.
Responding, Governor Kefas narrated his experience in the water crisis of the state capital. He, however, reassured the people that a consultant is now vigorously working to deal with the problem. On the roads, the governor said the month of October can be practically declared as the month of heavy machines on the grounds to start the tough work of roads construction.
Emmanuel Bello is Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communications, to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State