By Tgnews
Residents of Taraba State are voicing growing concerns over what they describe as the negligible impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointees from the state. Many argue that the 21 individuals appointed to various high-profile positions have little to show in terms of tangible contributions to the state’s development, with some suggesting the appointments may be mere political compensation rather than merit-based selections.
Residents and local observers claim that the impact of these appointments on Taraba’s socio-economic growth remains minimal, prompting questions about their effectiveness
This sentiment has sparked a lively debate across the state, as citizens call for accountability and visible initiatives from these appointees.
The list of appointees, which includes prominent figures such as Dr. Bala Bello, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Barr. Uba Maigari, Minister of State for Regional Development, and Mr. Shaakaa Chira, Auditor General of the Federation, represents a broad range of federal roles.
However, residents and local observers claim that the impact of these appointments on Taraba’s socio-economic growth remains minimal, prompting questions about their effectiveness.
A review of the appointees’ activities reveals a mixed picture, with few documented initiatives directly benefiting Taraba State:
There is no public record of specific initiatives he has spearheaded for Taraba State, such as financial inclusion programs or support for local businesses
Dr. Bala Bello – Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). As a deputy governor at the CBN, Dr. Bello is involved in national monetary policy and economic reforms. Stakeholders have commended his expertise in development economics, noting his role in implementing reforms to stabilize Nigeria’s economy.
However, there is no public record of specific initiatives he has spearheaded for Taraba State, such as financial inclusion programs or support for local businesses. Residents argue that his national role has not translated into localized benefits.
Barr. Uba Maigari – Minister of State for Regional Development
Maigari has been linked to a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the Taraba State government, formalized during a visit by Governor Agbu Kefas in March 2025.
It is still in its early stages, with no concrete projects completed or visible outcomes reported
The collaboration aims to enhance sustainable development in sectors like infrastructure, education, and health. While this initiative holds promise, residents note that it is still in its early stages, with no concrete projects completed or visible outcomes reported. Some view this as a step forward but question the pace of implementation.
Mr. Saany Sale – Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC)Reappointed as a federal commissioner, Sale’s role involves overseeing population data collection and policy planning. There is no documented evidence of specific contributions to Taraba, such as improved census processes or data-driven development projects. Locals express disappointment, expecting more direct engagement with community needs.
Mr. Michael Magaji – Executive Director, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
Magaji’s work at the BPE focuses on privatization and public enterprise reforms at the national level. No specific initiatives tied to Taraba’s economic development, such as attracting investments or reviving local enterprises, have been reported. Residents question the relevance of his role to the state’s immediate needs.
No specific initiatives tied to Taraba’s economic development, such as attracting investments or reviving local enterprises, have been reported
Mr. Shaakaa Chira – Auditor General of the Federation
Appointed after a rigorous screening by the Federal Civil Service Commission, Chira’s role ensures accountability in federal finances. While his appointment has been praised as a win for Taraba representation, there are no known programs or audits directly benefiting the state. Some residents argue that his national mandate limits his ability to focus on local issues.
Professor Jakes Dan’azumi – Chief of Staff to the Speaker, House of Representatives
Dan’azumi supports legislative coordination at the national level. No specific contributions to Taraba, such as securing federal projects or advocating for state-specific policies, have been publicly documented. Residents feel disconnected from his high-profile role.
Justice Ibrahim Buba (Rtd) – Member, Code of Conduct Bureau
Buba’s role involves promoting ethical conduct in public service. There are no reported initiatives linked to Taraba, such as anti-corruption campaigns or community engagement programs. Locals view his appointment as prestigious but lacking local impact.
There are no reported initiatives linked to Taraba, such as anti-corruption campaigns or community engagement programs
Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha – Chairman, Governing Council, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State
Bwacha oversees the administration of an institution outside Taraba. No contributions to Taraba’s education sector, such as scholarships or infrastructure support, have been noted. Residents question why his expertise is not being applied locally.
Rt. Hon. Jerry Manwe – Chairman, Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, Gombe State
Manwe’s role is focused on a polytechnic in Gombe State. There are no known efforts to support Taraba’s educational institutions or youth empowerment programs. Some residents see this as a missed opportunity to leverage his influence for local development.
Amb. Hassan Jika Ardo – Member, Governing Board, Kaduna Polytechnic
Ardo’s position involves oversight of a polytechnic in Kaduna. No specific contributions to Taraba’s education or youth development have been reported, leading to perceptions of his role as disconnected from state needs.
No specific contributions to Taraba’s education or youth development have been reported
Engr. Ahmed Zakari – Member, Governing Board, African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja
Zakari’s role focuses on a specialized university in Abuja. There are no documented initiatives to promote aviation training or related opportunities in Taraba, leaving residents skeptical of his impact.
Mr. Julius James Jellason – Member, Governing Board, Federal College of Education, Gwoza, Borno State
Jellason’s work is centered in Borno State. No contributions to Taraba’s education sector or community development have been identified, fueling criticism of his appointment.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho – Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Dantsoho oversees port operations at the national level. No specific initiatives, such as trade facilitation or economic programs benefiting Taraba, have been reported. Residents argue that his role is too far removed from local priorities.
No specific initiatives, such as trade facilitation or economic programs benefiting Taraba, have been reported
Senator Sani Danladi – Member, TETFUND
Danladi’s role at TETFUND involves funding tertiary education projects. While TETFUND supports institutions nationwide, no specific projects or grants allocated to Taraba’s universities or colleges under his influence have been publicized.
Senator Anthony Manzo – Chairman, Governing Council, College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State
Manzo’s focus is on an institution in Kaduna. No contributions to Taraba’s aviation sector or youth training programs have been noted, prompting questions about the relevance of his appointment.
Hon. Gambo Maikomo – Member, North-East Development Commission (NEDC)
Maikomo’s role at the NEDC involves regional development projects. While the NEDC has initiated projects in the North-East, specific contributions to Taraba, such as infrastructure or humanitarian programs, are not well-documented, leaving residents wanting more transparency.
No initiatives benefiting Taraba, such as urban planning or community development projects, have been reported
Abdulkadir Zulkiflu – Coordinator, FCT Satellite Town Development Department
Zulkiflu’s work is centered in the Federal Capital Territory. No initiatives benefiting Taraba, such as urban planning or community development projects, have been reported.
Hon. Garba Garba Chede – Liaison Officer, National Assembly to the National Party Secretariat
Chede’s role focuses on political coordination. No specific contributions to Taraba’s development, such as securing federal support or community projects, have been identified.
Dr. Sunusi Mohammed – Managing Director/CEO, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority
Mohammed oversees water and agricultural projects in the Upper Benue region, which includes Taraba. While his role has potential to benefit Taraba through irrigation or water management initiatives, no specific projects or outcomes have been publicized, leaving residents skeptical.
Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (Rtd) – Member, Police Service Commission
Galumje’s role involves police oversight at the national level. No contributions to Taraba’s security or community policing initiatives have been reported, leading to perceptions of limited local impact.
Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Kaya (Danruwaiton Mumuye) – Member, North-West Development Commission.
No contributions to Taraba have been identified, and residents question the rationale behind his placement in a non-relevant region
Kaya’s appointment to a commission focused on the North-West region has raised eyebrows, as Taraba is in the North-East. No contributions to Taraba have been identified, and residents question the rationale behind his placement in a non-relevant region.
Across Taraba, residents express frustration over the lack of visible projects or programs tied to these appointees. “We hear about these big appointments, but where are the roads, schools, or jobs they’ve brought to Taraba?” asked a trader in Jalingo. Others speculate that the appointments may be political rewards for loyalty to President Tinubu rather than selections based on potential to drive state development.
Analysts suggest that the national scope of many roles limits the appointees’ ability to focus on Taraba-specific issues. “These are federal positions with broad mandates. Expecting them to prioritize Taraba alone may be unrealistic, but they could still advocate for their state,” said Dr. Peter Iliya, a political commentator in Wukari.
These are federal positions with broad mandates
Despite the criticism, some residents and leaders advocate for a constructive approach. They urge appointees to leverage their positions to attract federal projects, secure funding, or initiate community-driven programs in Taraba. For instance, Barr. Uba Maigari’s partnership with the state government could be expanded to deliver infrastructure projects, while Dr. Sunusi Mohammed could prioritize irrigation schemes to boost agriculture.
Community leaders also call for greater transparency and engagement. “These appointees should hold town halls or publish reports on their efforts for Taraba. We want to see their impact,” said a community elder in Takum.
While President Tinubu’s appointees from Taraba State hold influential positions, their contributions to the state’s development remain largely invisible to residents. With few exceptions, such as Barr. Uba Maigari’s emerging partnership, the appointees have yet to demonstrate tangible benefits for Taraba.
We want to see their impact
As public discontent grows, the onus is on these individuals to bridge the gap between their federal roles and local expectations, ensuring their appointments translate into meaningful progress for their home state.
