Kefas Receives Security, Govt House Expansion Reports, Pledges Action on Recommendations
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has received two major committee reports aimed at strengthening security across the state and paving the way for the proposed expansion and modernisation of the Government House in Jalingo.
The reports were presented to the Governor on Monday at the Exco Chamber of TY Danjuma House, Jalingo.
They include the report of the Zonal Security Summit Committee and that of the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land around the Government House.
Receiving the reports, Governor Kefas described their assignments as important to his administration’s efforts to improve security, infrastructure and effective governance in Taraba State.
The Governor commended members of the Zonal Security Summit Committee for what he described as their dedication and inclusive approach, assuring them that the recommendations contained in the report would be carefully studied with a view to implementing measures that would strengthen security across the state.
The committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, conducted consultations across Taraba’s three senatorial zones, engaging communities and other stakeholders on security challenges peculiar to their areas.
Presenting the report, Bonzena said the committee travelled across the state in line with the mandate given to it by the Governor, allowing residents and stakeholders to provide first-hand accounts of security concerns affecting their communities.
According to him, the consultations created an opportunity for communities to speak directly about their experiences and propose measures they believe could improve security in their respective areas.
In a related development, Governor Kefas received the report of the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land surrounding the Government House as part of plans for the expansion of the complex.
The committee is chaired by former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame, while the report was presented on its behalf by the Head of the State Civil Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara.
Kara said the committee consulted relevant stakeholders and affected landowners to explain the government’s proposed expansion and address issues surrounding land acquisition and compensation.
Governor Kefas commended the committee for engaging those whose properties could be affected by the project, stressing the importance of proper consultation in the process.
Speaking on the proposed expansion, the Governor said the plan goes beyond acquiring additional land, explaining that the existing Government House has served Taraba for many years and requires significant upgrading to meet contemporary administrative and infrastructure needs.
He noted that the present complex has become inadequate for the expanding responsibilities of government, making the rebuilding and modernisation of some facilities necessary.
With the submission of the two reports, attention is now expected to shift to the government’s consideration of their recommendations and the decisions that will follow, particularly on security interventions and the proposed Government House expansion.
