Reshufflement Rumours:

Anxieties Grip Taraba as Cabinet Shake-Up Looms

- 10 Commissioners May Retain Their Seats

- Who's In, Who's Out? Speculations Mount

Rumors of an impending cabinet reshuffle have sparked anxiety among members of Governor Agbu Kefas' State Executive Council in Taraba State. The governor's recent efforts to put politics aside and rally federal appointees to attract development to the state have fueled speculation about potential changes in his cabinet.

Although Governor Kefas has not made any official announcements, sources close to the government suggest that if a reshuffle were to occur, it would likely be a three-fold exercise. Some commissioners may retain their seats, while others may experience inter-ministerial affairs. This means that some commissioners might be reassigned to different portfolios or ministries, while others may be dropped entirely.

Insider reports indicate that Governor Kefas is satisfied with the performance of some of his appointees and displeased with some cabinet members who have not shown capacity and may be dropped. Reports indicate that the Governor intends to retain the competent ones and bases the reshuffling of cabinet members on competence and performance.

The special advisor to the governor on Media and Digital Communication, Hon Emmanuel Bello, on one of his Facebook posts said, "Cabinet reshuffle soon."

"I mean I'm reshuffling my kitchen cabinet. I don't know where the plates are kept!" Though the post seems to be a joke, Hon Emmanuel is known for his stylish way of passing a message, and many of his followers seem to have understood his message. The Taraba News observed that the post has over 280 likes and over 150 comments, with many commenting in line with expected Governor Kefas cabinet reshuffle. One of those commenting said, "Speaking in 👅👅👅. Thank you for giving us an insight, Emmanuel Bello."

Governor Kefas has been focused on delivering on his campaign promises, including the historic remodeling of the General Sani Abacha State Secretariat in Jalingo. His administration has also prioritized transparency and accountability, evident in efforts to upgrade infrastructure and improve governance in the state.

While the possibility of a reshuffle still lingers, it appears that Governor Kefas is more interested in optimizing his performance.

Taraba News observes that it will be difficult for the governor to change 10 of his commissioners who have shown exceptional performance, with most of them having some projects within and outside the state that will benefit the state. The governor may not want to lose it on the platter of anything.

One such commissioner is the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Godwin, who is a woman you will just have to love. She has championed Governor Kefas' free education as it is her personal project. Dr. Godwin has worked hard to find a place in Taraba with the Gospel of Kefas' administration, and you will always find her in the office, except when she is away for official assignments. Dr. Godwin has demonstrated exceptional leadership quality, and many believe she is likely to retain her position.

Another person is Barr Zainab Usman Jalingo, the woman who has placed Taraba in the position of history by featuring in the African Leadership Magazine alongside prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and other African leaders. A focused and no-nonsense commissioner, she has been able to give the Kefas administration a wider audience with people like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami, Gen. Babangida, and the wife of former President Sani Abacha alluding to the Kefas administration.

Hon Gidoen Nonso is another commissioner believed to scale the hurdles. Nonso has demonstrated exceptional qualities in digital enhancement and knowledge-driven programs. Though new to the ministry, Nonso has been able to transform it into a digital hub with world-class organization. Like the organization of the National Hackathon Competition held in Jalingo, the Digital Bolt camp, and the training on blockchain technology by Magorang, some of these initiatives have made some Taraba youths millionaires, while others have gained employment. 

Naomi Agbu is another talented commissioner of Gov. Kefas. Naomi has demonstrated an outstanding understanding of the energy industry, with many things in the pipeline for Taraba. You just need to listen to Naomi talk, and you will realize the potential in the Tarabans—courageous and very intelligent. She is the brain behind the Taraba State Electricity Bill, which has already been passed into law, and some of her moves are expected to bring to Taraba over 3,000 megawatts of electricity in partnership with the African Development Bank and other developmental partners, along with some solar farm electricity and rural electrification in the pipeline. 

Prof. Oliver Nanmessah is another person believed to be retained as a commissioner. He has been behind the Kefas agricultural revolution, particularly in the Czech Republic mechanization with Agro processing zones. Coming to Lau Karim area, Sarduna areas, and Mutun Biyu, his exceptional approach in tackling the ASUU strike makes many believe that he may be moved to the new Ministry of Tertiary Education. If this happens, it means the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security may get a new commissioner. 

Another workaholic is Aisha Barde. The honorable commissioner of Environmental and Climate Change has been at the forefront of promoting an environmentally friendly environment. Within these two years, she has been able to plant over 2 million trees across Taraba State. Aisha is passionate about greening Taraba and has done a lot to promote climate change awareness, especially in the midst of global warming. Just recently, she gathered stakeholders in Jalingo to discuss the challenges of climate change and to provide proactive solutions. 

Dr. Buma, the honorable commissioner of Health, is another person likely to retain his seat. Dr. Buma has been very active and has provided a lot of proactive steps in tackling many health challenges in the state, including the outbreak of cholera and Lassa fever. His efforts received applause from a US-based health organization, Dynamics Health Care International. Buma is a dynamic young medical doctor regarded as a bulldozer in the health sector of Taraba State. 

Dr. Filister Musa is another person that Taraba News believes will retain her seat. Though new to the ministerial role, she has been able to turn around the fortunes of the ministry with many creative and innovative ideas. She has focused on areas that promote social justice and integration, leading to numerous community-related engagements. She has also spearheaded legislative inclusion, such as the bill currently before the State House of Assembly regarding the rights of people living with disabilities. 

Dr. Sarah Adi, the honorable commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, has demonstrated capacity even in the face of numerous financial challenges facing the state. She has piloted many fiscal responsibility initiatives, including ensuring that Taraba State remains among the top states in Nigeria that operate on a budget cycle from January to December—an effort that has received accolades from the World Bank. With the SEPTA program, Taraba is rated top on the index of accountability.

The last person expected to remain in his seat is Barr Maikasuwa, the Commissioner of Justice. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria has demonstrated capacity in all aspects that concern law and order. He has provided a solid bedrock for the state. Today, the Taraba judiciary system is considered one of the best in the state. He has championed the betterment of the welfare of judicial officers and has promoted the rule of law in the state, including the welfare of Taraba indigenes in several law schools in Nigeria. He has also championed the drafting of many administrative laws sent to the state House of Assembly, some of which have already passed and others are at different stages. Very notable is the amendment to the Taraba State Administration of Justice System, which has been applauded in many quarters. 

The question on the lips of everybody is, 'Who is going?' Nobody can categorically say who is going and who is not going, as that remains the sole responsibility of the governor to decide. But what is clear is that some other commissioners may have a change of job roles. It is possible that some more commissioners may remain, but many will be assigned to other ministries. The governor may also bring in fresh individuals to strengthen the system. 

Other observers also expect some changes and remodeling of the workings of the ministry. For example, others believe that there is a need to separate the Ministry of Youth from that of Sports, either as separate ministries or by emulating what was done at the federal level, where Sports was made a commission and Youth remained a ministry. Others also canvass for the separation of the Ministry of Finance from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in line with best practices and segregation of powers. 

It is the opinion of the generality that restructuring needs to be done, and the Kefas administration appears determined. 

Note: This analysis is made by the editorial board of Taraba News and does not represent the views of the Governor nor that of the Taraba State government.