The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, officiated the swearing-in of the former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Josiah Sabo Kente, as the new Special Adviser on Political Matters, on Thursday.
Alongside Kente, 16 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were also sworn into office during a ceremony held at the Government House in Jalingo.
In his address, Governor Kefas emphasized the critical role that integrity, professionalism, and dedication play in public service.
He urged the newly appointed officials to perform their duties with utmost commitment to the people of Taraba State.
The Governor reminded the appointees that their decisions and actions would significantly impact the future of the state and the lives of its citizens.
“You are the key drivers of our governance. The people of Taraba will feel the effects of your leadership through the decisions you make on a daily basis and how you conduct your responsibilities,” the Governor stated.
Governor Kefas also outlined the core principles that his administration is built upon, stressing good governance, effective service delivery, teamwork, and professionalism.
He charged the appointees to lead by example in both their personal conduct and professional responsibilities.
“As you take up your roles, bear in mind that our administration is hinged on key priorities, including good governance, service delivery, teamwork, and professionalism. You must be exemplary in your conduct,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the newly sworn-in Special Adviser on Political Matters, Prof. Josiah Sabo Kente, expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for the opportunity to serve in such a capacity.
He assured the Governor that the appointees would work with integrity and align their efforts with the administration’s vision for inclusive governance.
In his remarks, Kente stated, “Your Excellency, I thank you for this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of our political landscape. I understand the weight of this office, and I pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and diligence.”
Kente further reflected on the broader responsibilities of political leadership, noting that it extends beyond the mere exercise of power and involves attentive service to the people.
He pledged to work closely with other leaders to ensure that the administration’s political direction mirrors the aspirations of the people of Taraba State.
“Political leadership is not just about power; it is about service, listening to the voices of our people, and working tirelessly to translate their aspirations into reality. On behalf of the newly appointed persons, I wish to say that we are fully committed to supporting your vision of inclusive governance and ensuring that the political direction of our state continues to reflect the needs and hopes of every citizen,” Kente said.
He also expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of the new team, stating that working alongside other political leaders and members of the administration would strengthen the democratic institutions that drive the state’s development.
“To the members of this administration and political leaders present, I look forward to working closely with you. Our collective efforts must be centered on strengthening the democratic institutions that support our state’s growth. I am confident that together, we can navigate the complexities of our political environment and bring about meaningful change,” Kente concluded.
The ceremony marks an important step in the Governor’s efforts to reinforce his administration’s priorities and to ensure that competent leadership is at the helm of Taraba State’s governance structure.
