Shettima’s visit unmasks Taraba govt’s failings –Ex-APC Chair

The pioneer chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State and former Nigerian envoy to Trinidad and Tobago, Alhaji Hassan Ardo, has said Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to the state has exposed the poor performance of Governor Agbu Kefas. Speaking to journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, Ardo said it was disappointing […]

The pioneer chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State and former Nigerian envoy to Trinidad and Tobago, Alhaji Hassan Ardo, has said Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to the state has exposed the poor performance of Governor Agbu Kefas.

Speaking to journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, Ardo said it was disappointing that the vice president had no project to commission during his working visit, which coincided with the second anniversary of Governor Kefas’ administration.

“Presidential visits to other states are usually marked by the commissioning of people-oriented projects. But in Taraba, the only project on show was the renovation of the airport — a facility completed over a decade ago,” Ardo said.

He described the visit as symbolic, saying it validated long-standing concerns about the PDP-led government’s failure to deliver meaningful development in the state.

• 1,593 Nigerians killed in road crashes in 3 months
• League of Northern Democrats backs coalition against Tinubu

“I wish the president had come in person to witness the lack of progress. The vice president’s presence, however, was sufficient to reveal the administration’s emptiness,” Ardo added.

He criticised Governor Kefas for focusing on renovating government houses and lodges rather than addressing critical infrastructure. “The Namnai Bridge, which collapsed last year, remains unrepaired despite a promise made in March to reconstruct it. The bridge is vital to the local economy. Is it not more important than a cosmetic renovation of the airport?”

He further challenged the administration to present a single major project initiated and completed in the last two years. “People say our criticism is partisan, but the facts speak for themselves. There’s nothing to show,” he said.

In response, the governor’s media aide, Emmanuel Bello, defended the administration, stating that Shettima visited Taraba to attend the investment summit, not for project commissioning.

He said the vice president praised Governor Kefas for improving security and driving investment, describing the summit as the most significant initiative yet to open up the state for business and development.