Gov. Kefas,
Lawmakers in the Taraba State House of Assembly have refuted claims that they received a N150 billion bribe before approving Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’ request for a N350 billion bond.
The allegations were made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the state, with former ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Ardo Jika, voicing concerns over the loan’s approval.
Jika questioned the rationale behind securing such a large bond without a clear framework for its utilization and repayment.
He also criticized the state government, noting that despite a significant increase in federal allocations from N3 billion to N13 billion per month and a rise in internally generated revenue (IGR), there had been little visible development.
Responding to the allegations, the lawmakers, through the House Committee Chairman on Information, Nelson Len, dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading.
“The claim that we were given N150 billion is false, baseless, and misleading,” Len stated during a press briefing in Jalingo on Saturday.
He defended the approval process, explaining that the bond was legally presented to the Assembly and that the lawmakers acted in the interest of the state’s development.
“We approved the bond because it is aimed at fostering development in Taraba State. The funds will be accessed in N20 billion tranches and will be used for meaningful projects,” he explained.
Len further rejected suggestions that the Assembly was merely a rubber stamp for the governor, maintaining that the lawmakers remained independent and committed to the people’s welfare.
“We are not puppets to the governor,” he asserted, emphasizing that the House would continue to uphold accountability and transparency in governance.
