From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, has said residents of the state are weary of unfulfilled promises under Governor Agbu Kefas.
He also described the state’s debt profile, reportedly exceeding N1 trillion, as alarming.
Bwacha made the remarks during his declaration in Jalingo on Thursday night, where he pledged to tackle fiscal irresponsibility and end what he termed a pattern of broken promises in the state.
He stressed the urgent need for transparency, prudent management of public resources, and a comprehensive audit of Taraba’s finances. According to him, citizens deserve clear explanations and accountable leadership focused on development, stability, and economic recovery.
The former senator attributed his 2023 electoral defeat to religious dynamics and limited consultation within his party.
According to him, the Christian bloc rallied behind Agbu Kefas, while Muslim stakeholders backed a different candidate, leaving him politically caught between both sides. He added that his late entry into the party also hindered broad consultations at the time.
Bwacha, however, said those challenges have now been addressed, noting that consultations have improved and party structures are better aligned ahead of future contests.
“Governance has become self-service, not public service,” he declared, citing collapsed infrastructure, worsening poverty, and scandals without consequences.
He promised a shift in governance priorities, with a focus on agriculture value chains, digital economy investments, and healthcare reforms.
“We’ll build roads that connect communities, not just government offices,” he said, dismissing past projects as cosmetic. His plan includes improved teacher welfare, youth-focused sports hubs, and civil service reforms aimed at restoring dignity.
Bwacha also alleged that unidentified individuals sent to assassinate him were recently apprehended, adding that 15 suspects are currently in custody and will face the full rought of the law.
The senator, who narrowly lost the 2023 election, described his renewed ambition as a “moral duty,” quoting Edmund Burke: “Silence in the face of evil is complicity.” He called for unity, rejecting ethnic and religious divisions.
He further lamented what he described as failing infrastructure, an overburdened and underfunded education system, excessive borrowing without accountability, and governance that prioritizes luxury over service.
“These actions betray the very purpose of government. They destroy the bond between leadership and the people. What we see is governance driven by self, not service.
“Today, governance has drifted away from the people. Public service has been replaced with self-serving interests, Poverty has worsened, Infrastructure has decayed, Insecurity has spread across our communities. Agriculture has weakened, Scandals have become frequent.This is not the Taraba we deserve.”
