The Governor of one of the Northern States in Nigeria on Monday presided over the swearing-in of a new set of political appointees, urging them to embrace accountability, transparency and selfless service as the foundation for building a stronger State capable of competing in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

The inauguration, held at the Banquet Hall of TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, by the Executive Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas drew senior government officials, traditional leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered to witness what the Governor described as a call to duty rather than a celebration of political office.

Addressing the appointees shortly after administering their oaths of office, Governor Kefas reminded them that leadership carries enormous responsibility.

“You have been entrusted with important responsibilities and must justify the confidence reposed in you through effective service delivery,” the Governor said. “This appointment is both an honour and a call to duty. Improve public service, strengthen the institutions under your care and ensure your work produces measurable results for the people of Taraba State.”

He stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved through individual ambition but through collective commitment, hard work and integrity.

“Governance requires courage, patience, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. Leadership is about accepting responsibility, rising above ethnic, religious, political and personal differences, and delivering results that improve the lives of our people,” he said.

Governor Kefas challenged members of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) to maintain unquestionable credibility.

“Your credibility must remain beyond question if the people are to have confidence in our democratic process,” he told the electoral commissioners.

He also charged members of the Local Government Service Commission to build an efficient and responsive local government system, while directing members of the Anti-Corruption Commission to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

To the newly appointed Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants, the Governor urged innovation and productivity.

“Understand your mandates and make your offices centres of innovation, efficiency and measurable performance. My administration will support you, but you will equally be held accountable for your performance,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, Job Bala Aji, thanked the Governor for the confidence placed in them and pledged that the appointees would faithfully uphold their oath of office and discharge their duties with dedication and integrity.

Those inaugurated include the Chairman and members of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, the Commissioner of the Local Government Service Commission, members of the Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to the Governor.

While the ceremony marked an important political milestone for the state, its wider significance extends beyond Taraba and Nigeria.

Across the world, governments are increasingly judged not only by political stability but by the strength of their institutions, transparency in public administration and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes. International investors, development finance institutions and multinational businesses now consider governance standards alongside natural resources when making investment decisions.

Taraba is one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich states, endowed with fertile agricultural land, livestock, solid minerals, forests, tourism assets and significant hydroelectric potential. It also shares an international border with Cameroon, positioning it as a strategic gateway for regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

If supported by credible institutions, transparent governance and consistent policy implementation, these advantages could position Taraba as a destination for investment in agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, mining, tourism and cross-border commerce.

Governor Kefas’ emphasis on accountability therefore reflects more than an administrative objective. It aligns with internationally recognised governance principles that underpin economic competitiveness and sustainable development. Strong public institutions not only improve citizens’ confidence but also strengthen the conditions required to attract long-term domestic and international investment.

Among those appointed and placed in offices are:-

Special Advisers namely:

1. Hon. Mary Manzo – Tourism & Human Capital Development
2. Dr. John Maikomo – Local Government Development
3. Joshua Ibrahim Sangari – Price Control
4. Aminu A. Liman – Political Group Mobilization
5. Christie Sebastian Lau – Women Enlightenment
6. Falalu Manu Umar – Business Development
7. Babangida Umar Kabei – Rural Engagement
8. Dr. Abubakar Bala Yakubu – Special Education
9. Hon. Esther Yenda – Political Education
10. Hon. Iliyasu Idris Kirim – Special Services & Engagements

Ultimately, the success of the new appointments will be measured not by the swearing-in ceremony itself but by the quality of governance delivered in the months and years ahead. Should the Governor’s vision of accountable leadership translate into tangible reforms, Taraba could increasingly emerge as an important economic player within Nigeria, West Africa and the wider African continent.