A growing sense of frustration has erupted among the 1,273 individuals appointed by Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, who are still waiting to be sworn in four months after their appointments were announced. These appointees, selected as special advisers, senior special assistants, constituency and community assistants, and members of boards and agencies, have expressed their anger, warning the governor to swear them in or face their displeasure.
The first batch of appointments, comprising 134 names, was announced on June 19, 2024, through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Gibon Kataps. Subsequent lists followed, with 61 names released on June 25, 573 on July 15, 502 on July 16, and a final list of three names on July 22. Despite being directed to submit their resumes to designated WhatsApp numbers via the SSG office, none of the appointees have received official letters or been inaugurated.
After four months without any formal appointment letters or swearing-in, many of the appointees are growing increasingly disillusioned. Some have even declined the offers, while others, speaking to LEADERSHIP, threatened to “swear for” the governor if they are not inaugurated by the end of October 2024.
One anonymous appointee from the Takum local government area expressed disappointment, accusing Governor Kefas of ignoring loyal supporters and instead appointing people who did not contribute to his 2023 election victory.
“He has brought in strangers as commissioners, sidelining those of us who campaigned for him. After four months, we have yet to receive any official documentation or financial benefits from these appointments. We are being approached by people, expecting us to act as political appointees, but we have nothing to show for it. If the governor fails to swear us in soon, we will take action, and the consequences could be significant in the 2027 elections,” the appointee warned.
The appointees’ growing impatience highlights the tension surrounding delayed political appointments in the state, as they await a resolution from the governor’s office.
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