https://www.facebook.com/100647524644028/

Taraba New Dawn, Jalingo (2026)

02/04/2026

ADC Leadership Dispute and the Shadow Over 2027 Elections
‎
‎By:
‎Mal. Abbas Shuaibu Mijinyawa
1st April, 2026
‎
‎Although the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may not be everyone’s preferred political platform, recent developments surrounding its leadership crisis raise serious concerns about the future of Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of the 2027 elections.
‎
‎Available public information indicates that members of the party’s executive leadership stepped down to pave the way for David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola to emerge as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. The transition appeared orderly and was reportedly ratified during a National Executive Committee meeting, which traditionally holds the authority to decide the party’s leadership structure.
‎
‎However, the situation took a different turn when Nafiu Gombe approached the court, arguing that he never resigned from his position as Deputy National Chairman. He maintained that, according to the party’s constitution, he should automatically assume the role of National Chairman.
‎
‎This development raises fundamental questions. Should disputes over party leadership be treated as matters for judicial intervention, or should they remain internal party affairs? Historically, leadership disputes within political parties were regarded as forum domesticum — matters that courts typically refrained from entertaining. Political parties, through their internal structures such as the National Executive Committee, were empowered to determine their leadership without external interference.
‎
‎If the party’s NEC collectively resolved to appoint someone other than the Deputy National Chairman, can the courts compel the party to reverse its decision? This question lies at the heart of the current controversy.
‎
‎Further complicating the issue is the directive by the Court of Appeal instructing parties to maintain status quo ante bellum — the state of affairs before the suit was filed at the Federal High Court. Observers have asked: before the lawsuit was instituted, who was effectively serving as party chairman? If the answer is David Mark, then why does the interpretation of this directive appear to create uncertainty or even a leadership vacuum within the party?
‎
‎The role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also come under scrutiny. Critics question whether the commission’s stance inadvertently contributes to weakening opposition parties ahead of 2027. Such perceptions fuel fears that the political landscape may be tilted in favor of the ruling establishment.
‎
‎These concerns become even more pronounced given the political strength of the ruling party, which reportedly commands support from numerous state governors. In such circumstances, critics argue that confidence in democratic competition must be strengthened rather than undermined.
‎
‎Some analysts have even suggested that if the political environment continues in this direction, it may give the impression that Bola Ahmed Tinubu could face minimal or no opposition in the 2027 presidential election. If that were to become the case, it would raise serious questions about the necessity of allocating billions of naira for an electoral process that lacks genuine contestation.
‎
‎Ultimately, the unfolding situation surrounding the ADC leadership dispute goes beyond party politics. It touches on the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system, the independence of institutions, and the assurance of credible, competitive elections in 2027. The outcome of this controversy may therefore shape not only the future of a political party but also the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy.
‎

02/02/2026

EMPOWERING A GENERATION: THE DAN MAMA EFFECT ON TARABA YOUTH
‎
‎In a time when many young people are losing faith in leadership and genuine service, the contributions of Salim Ilyasu Goje, fondly known as Dan Mama, stand out as a powerful reminder of what purposeful commitment to humanity looks like. His impact on the youth and communities of Taraba State is not only commendable—it is truly unprecedented.
‎
‎Dan Mama, a young Taraba-born entrepreneur, has demonstrated that leadership is not defined by title or public office, but by action, vision, and compassion. Remarkably, even many of those entrusted with political authority have not matched the scale and sincerity of what this young man is achieving through his personal resources and initiatives.
‎
‎One of his most outstanding contributions is in the area of education. Hundreds of Taraba youths who would otherwise have been denied access to higher education have been given the opportunity to enroll in universities. In a society where education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance, this intervention is nothing short of transformational. By investing in the education of young people, Dan Mama is not only changing individual lives but also shaping the future of Taraba State.
‎
‎Beyond education, his commitment to community development is evident in the drilling of boreholes across various communities, providing access to clean and safe water. This simple yet life-changing intervention improves health, saves time, and restores dignity—especially for women and children who often bear the burden of water scarcity.
‎
‎Equally noteworthy is his focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. Dan Mama has equipped many young Tarabans with practical entrepreneurial skills and, more importantly, provided them with startup capital to launch their own businesses. This approach goes beyond temporary assistance; it promotes self-reliance, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
‎
‎Perhaps most striking is his employment philosophy. It is reliably understood that about 70 percent of the staff employed in his company—despite the company not being located in Taraba—are Tarabans. This is rare, unusual, and deeply patriotic. It reflects a conscious decision to carry his people along, regardless of geographical boundaries.
‎
‎Salim Ilyasu Goje is not just giving back; he is setting a standard. He represents the kind of Taraban we want to see—selfless, visionary, and deeply connected to the needs of his people. He is a young man who deserves applause, encouragement, and, if possible, greater responsibility to enable him to do even more for our communities.
‎
‎Taraba State needs more examples like Dan Mama—individuals who understand that true success is measured not by what one accumulates, but by how many lives one uplifts. His story is a reminder that meaningful change can begin with one committed individual, driven by love for his people and belief in their potential.
‎
‎Indeed, his contribution is unprecedented—and his journey is only beginning.
‎
‎Mall. Abbas Shuaibu Mijinyawa
‎Write, From Jalingo
‎1/2/2026
‎

13/09/2025

Instead of delivering on his promises, the Governor and his team have perfected the art of organizing endless meetings, foreign trips, and frivolous events that gulp scarce resources. Now, sensing the rising anger and disappointment among citizens, the government is embarking on a so-called Citizens’ Listening Tour—a tour that should have happened within the first few months of assuming office, not after wasting two years of Taraba’s destiny.

12/09/2025

If after two years all this government can offer is another round of consultations, then it has clearly failed. What Taraba needs today is action, accountability, and visionary leadership—not excuses dressed up as listening tours.

11/08/2025

Taraba Governor’s Misplaced Priorities: N2.4 Billion on Government House Renovation Amidst Water Scarcity and Education Crisis

In a period when Taraba State is grappling with pressing socio-economic challenges, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s reported expenditure of N2.4 billion on the renovation of the Government House within just six months raises serious questions about governance priorities.

Across the state, communities continue to endure chronic water shortages, forcing residents to rely on unsafe and expensive alternatives for daily use. Simultaneously, the number of out-of-school children continues to rise, threatening the state’s future and deepening the cycle of poverty.

Allocating such an enormous sum to refurbish the seat of power—rather than to critical public needs—reflects a troubling detachment from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. At a time when many expect decisive investments in education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure, the focus on government house aesthetics signals misplaced priorities.

The people of Taraba deserve leadership that channels resources into solving life-threatening problems, not self-serving projects. True governance is measured not by the beauty of office walls, but by the well-being of the people they enclose.

From the Office of the Director General
Professor Muhammad Sani Yahaya
Vanguard For Good Governance.

06/08/2025

Taraba Varsity Lecturers Deserve Better: A Call for Urgent Action by Governor Kefas

The recent press statement by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) branch, is not just a lament—it is a wake-up call. It exposes the harsh reality that the intellectual engine room of Taraba’s only state-owned university is on the verge of collapse due to unpaid salaries, unmet agreements, and deliberate neglect.

While Governor Agbu Kefas has rightly received commendation for introducing free education across the state, it is becoming increasingly clear that this policy, without proper funding for the educators who drive it, is at risk of becoming an empty gesture.

Unpaid Salaries: The Gap Between Words and Reality

According to ASUU, university staff are still being owed two full months and three fractional salaries. This is in direct contradiction to the Governor’s claim that all salary arrears have been cleared. The government cannot afford to play politics with facts, especially when it concerns workers’ welfare.

ASUU members continue to work under extremely challenging conditions, without pay, without an explanation, and with no official communication from the authorities. The silence is not just irresponsible—it is unacceptable.

A Memorandum Dishonoured

More concerning is the breach of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed between the state government and ASUU. The MoA clearly stipulated a monthly payment of ₦50 million from February 2025 to clear accrued Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). Six months on, not a single naira has been released.

When government fails to honour its own signed agreements, it erodes public confidence and discourages honest engagement. These allowances were not fabricated; they were earned through years of dedicated academic work.

Pension Promises That Lead Nowhere

The plight of retired academic staff is equally distressing. ASUU has revealed that no verifiable progress has been made toward implementing a pension scheme for its members. Instead, what they’ve received are “bureaucratic and empty promises.”

Are those who have spent decades shaping young minds not entitled to retire with dignity? Must our scholars live and die without financial security?

This Is Not an Attack, But a Patriotic Appeal

ASUU has reiterated that it is not an enemy of the government. They are not saboteurs. They are patriots—nation-builders and mentors—demanding only what is fair. Their grievances must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.

It is important for the public to understand that when the working conditions of lecturers are poor, the quality of education is bound to suffer. Underpaid and demoralized educators cannot deliver excellence. Students are the ultimate victims of this neglect.

Governor Kefas, The Time to Act Is Now

This crisis can still be averted. But it requires political will and decisive leadership. We urge Governor Agbu Kefas to:

Clear all outstanding salary arrears and allowances

Begin the monthly ₦50 million EAA disbursement as agreed

Establish a concrete, funded pension structure

Reopen dialogue with ASUU leadership immediately

The Governor must prove that his free education policy is more than a slogan. He must show that he values not only the students but also those who teach them.

As Tarabans, we want progress. We want reform. But progress must never come at the expense of justice and equity. The ASUU warning must not fall on deaf ears.

From the Office of the Director General
Professor Muhammad Sani Yahaya
Vanguard For Good Governance
Jalingo
6th August, 2025

15/02/2025

Taraba cannot beg its way to prosperity- P. D. Pius

The intention to do good does not mean doing good. Dr. Myles Munroe will say that the enemy of "right" is not "wrong" but "good". You can have good intentions and still not be doing the right things. Taraba government foreign trips to beg investors to come may appear good but it is not what is needed. There are three basic ways to attract foreign participation in our economy:
1. Begging for foreign donor support,
2. Foreign Direct Investment, and
3. Portfolio Investment. I will explain each.

Begging for foreign donor support or foreign aid is mostly for none profit like intervention in health to assist HIV patients with free drugs or provide water in rural areas. These foreign aids are the least help other nations may decide to offer for humanity's sake. We can't beg our way to prosperity.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is basically business which must make sense to the foreign investor to bring his company down to Taraba State to come and offer a product or a service. There is no way you can beg or lobby Google or Apple or Amazon or any company abroad to come and establish in Taraba State without showing them the available infrastructure like roads, ports, electricity, security etc. When UAE wanted to change to become the center of commerce in middle east, they built the biggest port. A foreigner will not do FDI unless he is convinced that he will make profit. No amount of lobbying will make it come. You can smile, shake hands and take smiling pictures, nothing will happen.

Portfolio Investment is where the foreign partner brings money to a local company in Taraba State and give them to use it to expand their business of production or service. How many local companies or firms have we empowered to make them attractive for portfolio Investment? The local firm or company in Taraba State that a foreigner will be willing to give them his money must show by the data or numbers how they can make profit or grow. It will be a business decision. You can beg forever and ever, and get nothing. Begging cannot do it.

When you take a delegation abroad and there are no business men or captains of industry or business leaders or people that a foreigner can engage to do FDI or PI, you are just enjoying the foreign trips for whatever it is worth. Foreign investment is a business. It is not a foreign government to local government aid. Take for instance, sowing of school uniforms for school students or provision of school sandals. You could have empowered a local firm in Taraba State to do the job and get a foreign partner transfer their technology for sowing or making sandals via what is called Technology Transfer Agreements (TTA). This would have stimulated growth of the industry in Taraba and led to job creation and business development.

Job creation is not advertising 4 or 5 civil service jobs for 2 million applicants to scramble over. Let me not talk too much.

P. D. Pius, Esq.
Abuja, Nigeria

29/12/2024

A NATION’S BETRAYAL: THE TRAGEDY OF LIVES LOST IN TSU

The year closes with heavy hearts and tear-streaked faces in the academic community of Taraba State University. In a single week, the cold hand of death has claimed two more bright minds: Mr. Moses Kusho, who passed on the 23rd of December, 2024, and Engr. Elachi Emmanuel, who succumbed on the 28th. These men, pillars of their families and by extension, the university, are gone not simply due to the inevitability of life’s end, but as victims of a system that denied them dignity, respect, and even the fruits of their labour.
For years, TSU academic staff have borne the weight of unpaid Earned Academic Allowances, salary backlogs, and an unfulfilled minimum wage, whispered about only on social media by politically motivated aides who dare to paint false rainbows over dark skies. Mr. Kusho and Engr. Emmanuel toiled without relief, denied their rightful pensions, and left this world watching their OPPRESSORS snore comfortably in their beds of privilege.
But what of the families they left behind? What future awaits the children who have lost their fathers, the spouses now burdened with grief and financial uncertainty? What legacy can they hold onto when the very system their loved ones served with dedication repaid them with neglect and disdain?
This is not just a tragedy; it is a betrayal. These men were not mere employees; they were educators, mentors, and builders of society. Yet, the government they worked for denied them the peace of mind to live and the dignity of a secure retirement. Their deaths are a grim reminder of the fragile state of academia in Nigeria, where intellect and dedication are undervalued, and humanity itself is often a casualty of systemic corruption.
As the New Year looms, let us remember Mr. Kusho and Engr. Emmanuel; not only as individuals but as symbols of the need for urgent reform. Their sacrifices must not be in vain. The academic community must rise, not just to mourn but to demand justice. Enough of this endless cycle of exploitation and loss.
Will those in power listen? Or will more lives be lost while OPPRESSORS continue to sleep and snore, indifferent to the pain they cause? Time will tell, but for now, we grieve.

Dr. Garba, Mbave Joshua
Chairperson,
ASUU - TSU

27/12/2024

NIGERIA'S TIES WITH FRANCE: A GROWING CONCERN FOR NIGER'S SOVEREIGNTY AND STABILITY

By: Mal. Abbas Shuaibu Mijinyawa
(An Independent Political Scientist)

The dynamics of international relations in West Africa have grown increasingly complex in recent years, particularly with the shifting alliances and strategic partnerships among nations. One relationship that has drawn considerable attention is Nigeria’s close ties with France, a relationship that has raised concerns for neighboring Niger.

France’s historical influence in West Africa, rooted in its colonial legacy, continues to shape the political and economic landscape of the region. While many African nations, including Niger, have sought to reduce their dependence on France, Nigeria has maintained strong diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the European power. This alignment has created a sense of unease in Niger, where anti-French sentiment has been on the rise.

France’s Controversial Role in West Africa:

France’s involvement in the region has long been criticized for perpetuating neocolonial structures. The CFA franc, used by many Francophone African nations, is controlled by the French treasury, limiting these countries' monetary independence. Furthermore, France’s military presence in West Africa, particularly through operations like Barkhane and its bases across the Sahel, has often been viewed as a means to secure French interests rather than address local security challenges.

In Niger, a country grappling with security threats from jihadist insurgents and political instability, the French presence has sparked protests and calls for a reevaluation of ties. The July 2023 coup in Niger, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, led to the expulsion of French forces, signaling a clear break from Paris. This anti-French sentiment reflects a broader desire for sovereignty and self-determination.

Nigeria’s Strategic Partnership with France:

In contrast, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and a regional powerhouse, has maintained a pragmatic relationship with France. This partnership spans trade, investment, and counterterrorism efforts. France is one of Nigeria’s major trading partners, with significant investments in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, both nations collaborate on security issues, particularly in combating Boko Haram and other insurgent groups in the Lake Chad Basin.

Nigeria’s willingness to work closely with France stems from its need for international support to tackle its multifaceted challenges. However, this alignment has raised eyebrows in Niger, where France’s intentions are viewed with suspicion.

Niger’s Concerns:

Niger’s apprehension about Nigeria’s relationship with France is rooted in several factors:

1. Security Implications: Niger fears that Nigeria’s cooperation with France could undermine efforts to establish an African-led approach to regional security. France’s military interventions in the Sahel have been criticized for exacerbating instability rather than resolving it.

2. Economic Disparities: France’s economic influence in Nigeria could strengthen its foothold in the region, perpetuating the very systems Niger is trying to escape.

3. Political Symbolism: Nigeria’s close ties with France may be perceived as a betrayal of the Pan-African ideals of self-reliance and unity, particularly at a time when Niger is seeking to assert its independence from external influences.

4. Regional Power Dynamics: As a dominant player in West Africa, Nigeria’s actions often set the tone for the region. Niger’s leaders may view Nigeria’s alignment with France as a signal to other nations to continue engaging with the former colonial power, undermining efforts to shift away from neocolonial dependencies.

The Path Forward:

To address these concerns, Nigeria must navigate its relationship with France carefully. It must strike a balance between leveraging French support for its development goals and respecting the aspirations of its neighbors for greater autonomy. As a regional leader, Nigeria has a responsibility to foster cooperation and unity among West African nations.

This could involve engaging in more robust dialogue with Niger and other countries in the region to address shared challenges. Furthermore, Nigeria could champion initiatives that promote African-led solutions to security and economic issues, reducing reliance on external powers like France.

Ultimately, the future of Nigeria’s relationship with France and its impact on Niger depends on how both nations prioritize regional solidarity over external alliances. By doing so, they can pave the way for a more independent and resilient West Africa.

21/11/2024

U.S. VETO ON CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION IN GAZA: A STAIN ON GLOBAL DIPLOMACY
By:
Mal. Abbas Shuaibu Mijinyawa

The United States has once again wielded its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This marks the fourth time the U.S. has thwarted international efforts to halt the bloodshed, raising serious concerns about its commitment to peace, justice, and humanitarian principles.

The resolution, supported by the majority of the Council members, was aimed at ending hostilities, ensuring humanitarian aid access, and protecting civilian lives. By opposing this vital measure, the U.S. has effectively prioritized its political alliances over the fundamental rights of millions trapped in a devastating humanitarian crisis.

This veto is not just a procedural act; it is a moral abdication. It sends a dangerous signal that geopolitical interests take precedence over the lives of innocent civilians, including children, who continue to suffer under relentless bombardments and siege conditions. Hospitals are collapsing, refugees are swelling, and families are being torn apart—yet the U.S. response is a cold calculation of strategic interests rather than a compassionate call for peace.

Moreover, this action undermines the legitimacy of the United Nations and its role as a forum for conflict resolution. By consistently vetoing ceasefire efforts, the U.S. isolates itself from the global consensus and positions itself as a barrier to peace rather than a champion of it. This undermines multilateralism and erodes trust in international institutions at a time when collective action is most needed.

The U.S. must reflect on the broader implications of its actions. By enabling the continuation of hostilities, it risks fueling further instability and resentment in a region already plagued by decades of conflict and injustice. If the U.S. truly values democracy, human rights, and international law, it must align its actions with these principles and support efforts to end the violence.

History will remember this moment, and the U.S.'s repeated vetoes will be seen as a betrayal of the ideals it claims to uphold. The world is watching, and the victims of this conflict deserve better. The question remains: will the United States choose to be a beacon of peace or an enabler of destruction?

Taraba New Dawn

02/04/2026

02/02/2026

13/09/2025

12/09/2025

11/08/2025

06/08/2025

15/02/2025

29/12/2024

27/12/2024

21/11/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category