Hon. Emmanuel Bello, Special Adviser to Governor Kefas Agbu on Media and Digital Communication, has credited the administration’s effective governance and proactive leadership for preventing the violent protests seen in other parts of Nigeria from erupting in Taraba State.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Bello highlighted that Governor Agbu’s focus on addressing the basic needs of the people, rather than embarking on grandiose projects, has helped maintain peace in the state during the ongoing nationwide protests.
Bello noted that the governor, leveraging his experience as a former intelligence officer in the army, took decisive action to address potential unrest. “Leading up to the protest, the governor did not take the situation lightly. He quickly set up a machinery and held extensive engagements with traditional rulers, security agencies, community and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and youth groups. The result was that most groups opted not to join the protest at all,” Bello said.
He emphasized that Governor Agbu’s message to the people was clear: the administration is already making visible strides to improve their lives. “The question posed to the people was simple: Should we join a protest that could derail the progress we’ve made? The overwhelming answer was no,” Bello explained.
Bello also pointed out that the governor’s hands-on approach, including personally addressing protesters on the first day alongside former Governor Jolly Nyame, Minister of State for Steel Alhaji Uba Maigari, and other key officials, played a crucial role in quelling potential unrest. “This bold step, which other governors later emulated, ensured that the agitations were completely put to rest,” Bello added.
He remarked that Taraba State, which was heavily affected during the ENDSARS protests, could have faced similar turmoil if not for the governor’s proactive measures. “We are confident that the peace we are enjoying in Taraba will continue, as this remains the governor’s top priority. Only a peaceful state can experience meaningful development,” Bello concluded.
According to our correspondent, apart from a few hours of protest in Jalingo, led mostly by children and later joined by a small number of others, Taraba State has remained relatively peaceful with no further protests recorded.
