Kefas Issues Three Executive Orders Targeting Political Thuggery, Drug Abuse and Illegal Mining in Taraba
JALINGO — Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has issued three executive orders targeting political thuggery, drug abuse, and illegal and unsafe mining as part of a coordinated effort to strengthen security, protect vulnerable communities and prevent the exploitation of young people across the state.
The governor signed the orders at TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, explaining that the measures were prompted by concerns about substance abuse, politically motivated violence and unregulated mining activities. The directives took immediate effect and are expected to guide the actions of state ministries, local governments and relevant institutions working with the administration.
Kefas said the central purpose of the intervention is to protect lives, secure communities and preserve the future of young people. He called on parents, teachers, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies and community representatives to support the implementation of the measures.
Although the governor’s social-media announcement described the orders as having been “signed into law,” the more precise legal description is that the governor signed or issued executive orders. Such orders direct the operations of the executive branch and support the enforcement of existing laws. They are different from bills passed by the Taraba State House of Assembly and assented to by the governor.
Drug Abuse Order Combines Enforcement with Rehabilitation
The first order focuses on drug abuse and related mental-health challenges. It establishes a framework for prevention, early identification, treatment and rehabilitation while calling for stronger cooperation among government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, security institutions and community leaders.
The administration linked the rising abuse of illicit substances to crime, violence, family instability and reduced productivity. It also expressed concern that schools and other public spaces are increasingly being exposed to the consumption and distribution of dangerous substances.
Under the directive, relevant agencies are expected to intensify public education, improve the collection of reliable information and intervene more effectively in cases involving young people. Enforcement efforts are also expected to concentrate on people involved in producing, trafficking and distributing illicit drugs.
Significantly, the government presented rehabilitation as an important part of its response. This means people living with substance-use disorders should not be treated only as offenders or subjected to stigma.
A sustainable approach will require accessible treatment, counselling and reintegration programmes alongside firm action against criminal supply networks.
Parents and teachers were specifically urged to pay closer attention to behavioural changes among young people, while traditional rulers, religious institutions and civil-society groups were asked to support awareness and prevention campaigns.
The effectiveness of the order will ultimately depend on whether these institutions receive the resources and training required to identify risks and respond appropriately.
Political Thuggery and Electoral Violence Prohibited
The second executive order addresses political thuggery as political activities and preparations for future elections intensify. It prohibits the recruitment, sponsorship, financing, harbouring or deployment of individuals for violence, intimidation and other unlawful acts connected with political contests.
The order also targets hate speech, voter intimidation, destruction of property and the possession or use of weapons at rallies, campaigns and political processions.
It applies to political actors across party lines and is intended to preserve public order without preventing lawful campaigning, peaceful assembly or legitimate political participation.
Security agencies are expected to identify possible flashpoints, prevent the movement of weapons and armed groups, and investigate individuals suspected of financing or organising political violence.
Kefas said the peace achieved in parts of the state must not be undermined by politicians seeking advantage through fear, intimidation or disorder.
The directive places particular attention on the exploitation of young people. In many communities, unemployed or economically vulnerable youths can be recruited as instruments of political confrontation and abandoned after elections.
Preventing that cycle will require more than arrests. Political parties must discipline their members, security agencies must enforce the rules impartially, and youth-development programmes must offer credible alternatives to violence.
Fair implementation will be essential. Residents will expect the prohibition to apply equally to governing-party supporters, opposition groups and politically connected individuals.
Evidence-based investigations, respect for constitutional rights and transparent prosecution will help prevent the order from being perceived as an instrument of selective enforcement.
Illegal Mining Order Seeks to Protect Communities and the Environment
The third executive order targets illegal, unsafe and unregulated mining, including activities associated with environmental destruction, mineral smuggling, child labour and insecurity around mining locations.
Taraba possesses significant mineral potential, but poorly controlled extraction can destroy farmland, pollute streams, damage roads and expose workers and nearby communities to serious health and safety risks.
Illegal operations can also deprive the government and host communities of legitimate revenue while creating spaces in which other criminal activities may flourish.
The order seeks improved documentation of mining operators, workers, equipment and sites. It also provides for closer coordination among state institutions, federal mining authorities, host communities and security agencies.
Genuine investors are expected to benefit from a clearer and safer operating environment, while unauthorised operators and mineral-smuggling networks will face increased scrutiny.
Because the regulation of minerals falls principally within federal jurisdiction, cooperation with the Federal Government and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will be crucial.
The state can nevertheless play a major role in protecting land, supporting host communities, monitoring environmental damage and coordinating security responses within its territory.
For the order to command public confidence, host communities should be included in decisions that affect their land and livelihoods.
Authorities will also need to publish clear compliance procedures, distinguish legitimate small-scale miners from criminal operators and provide accessible channels through which residents can report unsafe activities without fear of retaliation.
Implementation Will Determine the Impact
The Secretary to the Taraba State Government is expected to coordinate the implementation of the three orders, while the Attorney-General and the governor’s security adviser will provide legal and security oversight.
Ministries, departments, agencies and local government authorities are also expected to develop practical implementation plans.
The three directives bring together public safety, youth protection, environmental responsibility and electoral peace. Their success, however, will depend on consistent enforcement, adequate funding, public access to their full provisions and clear reporting on results.
Residents have been encouraged to reject drug abuse and political violence, report illegal mining and cooperate with lawful security operations.
At the same time, the government carries the responsibility of ensuring that enforcement is professional, transparent and respectful of citizens’ rights.
If implemented impartially and supported by prevention, rehabilitation and community engagement, the executive orders could strengthen stability across Taraba.
The decisive test will be whether the administration turns the directives into measurable improvements in public safety, responsible mining and protection for the state’s young people.
