Outrage as Taraba commissioner pledges to ‘sustain poverty’

There has been public outrage over a statement by Taraba State Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Habu James Philip, after he was caught on a live television program vowing to “perpetuate poverty” in the state.

The controversial comments were made at a forum in China, where the commissioner claimed he had “learned new ways to perpetuate poverty.”

The video of his announcement, which went viral on social media, has drawn sharp criticism from residents of Taraba State who are grappling with rising cost of living and other related economic challenges with many calling for the immediate removal of the commissioner Is.

none of those who talked to him northern punch His comments were described as an insult to the state and an insult to their struggles.

“It is a matter of embarrassment for the entire state. How can a government official, whose job it is to eradicate poverty, proudly declare that he will perpetuate it?'' asked Suleiman Usman, a civil servant in Jalingo.

“This is not only shameful but a direct attack on the people who are struggling with the current economic crisis,” he said.

Miriam Aboki, a market trader in Wukari expressed disappointment at the statement. “We are already struggling to make ends meet. The prices of food and basic necessities are skyrocketing. For a person in his position to talk like this and in China, a country that is helping us with loans, shows how disconnected this commissioner is from the ground reality. He should be immediately removed from his office.”

The commissioner's remarks have also been condemned by activists and community leaders, who argue that his words reflect poorly on Governor Agbu Kefas and his administration.

Paul Dogosan, a youth leader in Lau, said, “Governor Kefas has shown commitment to improving the lives of Taraba citizens, but comments like this from his appointees are undermining his efforts.” “The governor must take immediate action to replace them before more damage is done.”

Despite the reaction, the state government is yet to issue an official response to the commissioner's statement.

However, Hon. Emma Bello, who is the SA Media and Digital Communications to the state governor, when confronted with the viral video and contacted to respond to the issue, said, “My response is that this issue is the proverbial Freudian Slip Could be a bad case of. , Governor Agbu Kefas is about to deliver a lethal blow to poverty.

“In fact, the Youth Commissioner in charge of the ministry is an example of how Dr. Kefas is fundamentally fighting unemployment in the state by harnessing youth energy. The Governor's cabinet is made up of young people. Beyond them, the governors are working hard to create new jobs through innovations and ICT.

“To further reduce the impact of national poverty, the Governor has introduced free education at primary and secondary school levels, while halving tertiary tuition fees. Relatedly, they have paid outstanding gratuities and pensions and are now on track to implement the new minimum wage,” Bello defended.

northern punchMeanwhile, the report said the growing public anger suggests that pressure to remove him will continue to grow.