A former Nigerian envoy to Trinidad and Tobago and pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Alhaji Hassan Ardo, has criticised the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, describing it as a failure.

Ardo said the recent visit of President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to the state has laid bare the shortcomings of the two-year-old Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in Taraba.

Speaking to journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, Ardo said it was disheartening that the Vice President had no significant project to commission during the visit, which coincided with the governor’s second year in office.

“Presidential visits to states are usually marked by the commissioning of numerous people-oriented projects,” Ardo stated. “But in Taraba, the only project presented was a renovated airport built over a decade ago. That speaks volumes about the state of governance here.”

According to Ardo, the absence of tangible achievements exposes the administration’s failure to deliver on its promises.

He accused Governor Kefas of focusing on cosmetic renovations, such as refurbishing government lodges and the Government House, rather than addressing pressing infrastructure needs like the Namnai Bridge, which collapsed over a year ago and has yet to be reconstructed.

“That bridge is more crucial to the people than the airport,” Ardo lamented. “It’s appalling that despite announcing its reconstruction in March, nothing has been done. Meanwhile, residents continue to endure untold hardship and economic losses due to the collapse.”

He challenged the state government to present any major projects initiated and completed under the Kefas administration, arguing that what exists are largely projects geared toward the governor’s personal comfort.

Ardo welcomed the President’s call for investors to explore opportunities in Taraba, especially in agriculture, but emphasised that the visit also served to confirm long-standing criticisms of the current administration.

“When we speak, people dismiss it as political opposition,” he said. “But the President’s visit has vindicated those of us who have consistently highlighted the failures of this government.”

He urged President Tinubu to consider special federal interventions for Taraba to alleviate the suffering of its citizens, whom he said are bearing the brunt of poor governance.