Ikenya Supports Gov Kefas’ Orders on Thuggery, Drugs, Illegal Mining in Taraba

A factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, has expressed support for the principles underlying the three Executive Orders recently signed by Governor Agbu Kefas to tackle political thuggery, drug abuse and illegal mining.

Ikenya, however, stressed that the effectiveness and credibility of the Executive Orders would depend on their fair, transparent and consistent implementation, without political discrimination or selective enforcement.

In a statement made available to journalists, the former senator said policies aimed at protecting lives, preserving peace, promoting justice and safeguarding the state’s resources should be considered objectively and beyond partisan interests.

READ ALSO: Kefas Signs Three Executive Bills To Tackle Crime In Taraba

He said his support was for the objectives contained in the Executive Orders but maintained that their true value would be determined by how they were implemented.

On the Executive Order addressing political thuggery, Ikenya said he had participated actively in politics at different levels without being associated with violence, intimidation or the harassment of political opponents.

According to him, elections should be won through ideas, service and the freely expressed will of the people rather than through fear, coercion or violence.

The PDP governorship candidate called on residents of the state, irrespective of their political affiliations, to reject violence and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

“The security of every Taraban is sacrosanct and must remain above every political ambition,” he said.

Ikenya urged Governor Kefas, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to ensure that the Executive Order was enforced without bias, insisting that anyone found sponsoring, financing, encouraging or participating in political violence should face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation, status or relationship with those in authority.

“There must be no sacred cows. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” he added.

On drug abuse, the former lawmaker described the Executive Order as a welcome initiative, noting that substance abuse had become a major social and security challenge, threatening the future of young people and undermining the productivity and stability of society.

He, however, said enforcement alone would not address the problem, calling for the professional and humane implementation of the policy, supported by deliberate investments in youth development, education, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic opportunities.

Ikenya also endorsed decisive action against illegal mining and the indiscriminate exploitation of the state’s natural resources.

He said Taraba’s mineral resources belonged to the people and should contribute to the development and collective prosperity of the state rather than benefit only a privileged few.

The PDP candidate called for the holistic and transparent implementation of the Executive Order, urging the government to ensure that all mining operators in the state were properly registered, profiled, monitored and held accountable in accordance with the law.

He also called for the protection of mining host communities and the environment, warning against selective enforcement.

“The resources of Taraba must be managed in a manner that benefits our collective prosperity while protecting host communities and the environment,” he said.

Ikenya pledged to continue supporting lawful measures aimed at promoting peace, protecting young people, strengthening public institutions and advancing the collective interests of Taraba residents.

He, however, maintained that all laws and Executive Orders must be implemented fairly, impartially and without political discrimination.

“The rule of law loses its meaning where enforcement is selective,” he said.

The governorship candidate called on residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while working collectively towards building a society where justice, security, opportunity and democratic values thrive.