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Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has addressed the concerns regarding the issue of ghost workers within the state’s civil service. Kefas has firmly denied claims that ghost workers are draining the state’s treasury, instead focusing on the mismanagement of staff employment processes.
During an interactive session with journalists at the EXCO Chambers in Jalingo, Kefas clarified that the ongoing biometric verification exercise is aimed at cleaning up the state’s payroll system. According to the governor, the real issue lies with improperly engaged workers, stating, “I am convinced that there are workers who are not properly employed, but they are not ghosts. There are two categories of this: some names appear on paper, but the people do not exist, while others appear and disappear. We want to ensure that only legitimate employees are paid, and we also aim to clear pension liabilities.”
Kefas further highlighted that the misuse of staff employment practices goes beyond mere administrative errors. He pointed out that certain senior civil servants have been accused of employing their relatives and children through back-door channels, a practice that denies qualified graduates the opportunity to secure jobs. “People must not get jobs through connections. I am committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity,” he added.
In addition, the governor emphasized that the exercise is designed to reduce waste and free up resources for genuine workers and retirees. He added, “I can’t eat anybody’s money. That is the essence of this verification exercise—we want to ensure that everything is done properly.”
Turning to the education sector, Governor Kefas acknowledged the severe challenges Taraba faces, especially in terms of unreliable data. The state currently boasts about 3,000 primary schools and 500 secondary schools, many of which are in dire need of infrastructural upgrades. Kefas assured the public that he would take immediate steps to improve the situation, starting with repairs to school roofs, provision of chairs, and construction of new classrooms. “My plan is to mobilize teachers, parents, and government to repair roofs, supply chairs, and build new classrooms,” he stated.
Governor Kefas also urged the press to take a more active role in monitoring government projects across the 16 local government areas, encouraging journalists to become independent monitors. “When we allocate funds for projects, you must monitor their execution. This will ensure that all parties—teachers, parents, and government—are held accountable,” he advised.
On political appointees, the governor acknowledged criticisms but suggested that many of these were based on perception rather than fact. He specifically mentioned an incident where a transformer at the Presidential Lodge in Jalingo was allegedly vandalized by workers. Kefas made it clear that any proven misconduct would be addressed with full accountability, stating, “I don’t want to be harsh, but when I find wrongdoing, people will be held accountable.”
