Taraba Govt Refutes Claims Regarding N1.2Tr Borrowing
By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government has issued a response to allegations made by the former lawmaker, Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, concerning N1.2 trillion in alleged reckless borrowing and mismanagement.
The government has provided detailed facts and figures to refute these claims.
This information was conveyed in a statement signed by Hon. Tijani Sale, Zonal Youth Leader of the PDP, North East; Hon. Ado Zaki, State Youth Leader of the PDP, Taraba State; and Hon. Gara Nongha, Chairman of NYCN Taraba State and Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, on Tuesday in Jalingo.
The statement clarified that the ₦17 billion expenditure on school items was part of the Free and Compulsory Education Policy, and that the ₦206.78 billion bank loan was a syndicated development loan aimed at key sectors such as education and agriculture.
“Our attention has been drawn to the recent open letter by Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, which regrettably contains financial inaccuracies and emotional rhetoric regarding alleged reckless borrowing and mismanagement under the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
“Ordinarily, we would have disregarded such political distractions. However, remaining silent could be misconstrued as agreement. As young individuals concerned about the future of our state, we feel compelled to present the facts clearly, responsibly, and truthfully.
“The ₦17 billion in question was not a single payment to any contractor or transferred offshore. It represents the total cost of educational materials and infrastructure provided under the Free and Compulsory Education Policy initiated in 2023.
“The ₦206.78 billion facility approved by the Taraba State House of Assembly in 2023 was a syndicated development loan aimed at revitalizing key sectors such as education, agriculture, security, health, infrastructure, and social welfare.
“Governor Kefas assumed office with an almost depleted treasury and required a financial bridge to stabilize governance and stimulate growth.
“For clarity: approval does not equate to disbursement. Most figures cited by Hon. Shiddi are approved ceilings, not actual funds accessed. The state government has drawn only a portion of the approved amount, guided by prudence and project readiness.
“Regarding the alleged ₦1.2 Trillion Debt Profile, Hon. Shiddi’s assertion that Taraba State owes ₦1.2 trillion is entirely false and financially indefensible.
“According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Taraba’s actual debt profile stands at ₦84 billion, significantly lower than that of several neighboring states such as Adamawa, Gombe, and Bauchi.
“Even in Hon. Shiddi’s own letter, he acknowledged that the state’s domestic debt decreased from ₦105.98 billion in 2022 to ₦86.96 billion under Governor Kefas, demonstrating clear fiscal discipline,” the statement read.
