Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has made it clear that his administration won’t bow to pressures from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to pay salary arrears to non-existent or ghost workers. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Jalingo to mark his administration’s one-year anniversary, Kefas was firm in his stance.
Governor Kefas emphasized that his administration has been diligent in paying the lecturers at Taraba State University on time. However, he noted that clearing the backlog of unpaid salaries requires a thorough verification of all university staff. “We are committed to resolving the issue of unpaid salaries, but we need to ensure we’re not paying ghost workers,” he explained.
This stance comes in response to ASUU’s threat of industrial action over the unpaid arrears. Kefas reassured that his administration prioritizes the proper use of state funds and is working hard to identify and eliminate any fraudulent salary payments.
Beyond the university salary issue, Governor Kefas announced several initiatives aimed at improving the education sector in Taraba State. He revealed plans to construct perimeter fences to enhance the security of all schools in the state. Additionally, he mentioned that 100,000 school uniforms and other educational kits are ready for distribution to students, underscoring his commitment to free education.
Governor Kefas also issued a stern warning to those trying to undermine the free education policy. He indicated that investigations are underway to identify and penalize the saboteurs. “We won’t tolerate any actions that hinder our efforts to provide free and quality education to the children of Taraba State,” he declared.
In a broader context, Governor Kefas highlighted ongoing efforts to attract more investors to the state. These efforts include expanding the Danbaba Suntai Airport and improving federal roads within the state to create a more business-friendly environment.
Governor Kefas’ administration has also been proactive in other areas, such as releasing an additional N1 billion to pay gratuities and promising new tractors to boost agricultural productivity. These initiatives reflect his commitment to enhancing the economic and social well-being of Taraba State residents.
As his administration continues to tackle challenges and implement strategic initiatives, Governor Kefas remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development for Taraba State.
