Kefas Orders Decisive Action on Drug Abuse, Illegal Government Land Occupation
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has directed relevant government bodies to take prompt and decisive action on issues threatening the security, welfare and wellbeing of residents of the state.
Kefas gave the directive while inaugurating the Governor’s Council on Drug Control and Social Renewal and the Taskforce on the Recovery and Confiscation of Government Lands.
Speaking on the drug control council, the governor said the security and welfare of citizens remained key responsibilities of government, stressing that his administration would not hesitate to address challenges capable of undermining law and order or harming the wellbeing of the people.
He described substance dependence as more than a criminal justice issue, noting that it was also a public health and family concern requiring a coordinated, compassionate and sustainable response.
Kefas charged members of the council to be deliberate in supporting and rehabilitating children and youths affected by drug abuse. He said the involvement of civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders was intended to promote a broad-based approach to addressing the problem.
On government lands, the governor said some public properties had been misused, illegally occupied, allocated or taken over by individuals, directing the taskforce to identify and recover such assets.
He warned individuals involved in the illegal sale or allocation of government property to desist from the practice and return government assets in their possession.
The governor urged members of the taskforce to discharge their responsibilities with seriousness, fairness and firmness while respecting citizens and making appropriate recommendations to government whenever challenges arise.
Kefas also urged members of both bodies not to be intimidated, but to uphold justice and act in the best interests of the people and the state.
Responding on behalf of the committees, Nelson Banker thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured him that they would work diligently to deliver on their assignments and meet the expectations of the state.
