Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has signed three executive orders aimed at tackling drug abuse and mental health challenges, curbing electoral violence, and regulating mining activities to enhance public safety and economic development in the state.
The executive orders, signed on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Mrs. Zainab Jalingo, take immediate effect.
The statement said the measures were designed to protect lives, strengthen public safety, safeguard the democratic process and ensure the responsible development of Taraba State’s mineral resources.
The governor said the executive order on drug abuse and mental health establishes a coordinated framework for preventing substance abuse, identifying individuals in need of treatment and rehabilitation, protecting vulnerable children and youths, and improving collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, schools, healthcare providers, traditional rulers, religious organisations and communities.
Describing drug abuse as a public health and social challenge rather than merely a law enforcement issue, Kefas said the administration would adopt a comprehensive approach combining prevention, education, early identification, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement and community reintegration.
He stressed that the order was not intended to stigmatise or criminalise persons battling addiction or mental health conditions but to ensure they receive professional support while authorities intensify action against those involved in the production, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs.
On electoral security, the governor said the executive order seeks to guarantee a peaceful, free and secure political environment for all political parties, candidates and voters ahead of future elections.
He warned that the recruitment, financing or deployment of youths for political violence would not be tolerated, adding that the possession of firearms, machetes, knives and other dangerous weapons at political rallies, campaign events and party meetings was prohibited.
Kefas also outlawed political thuggery, voter intimidation, hate speech, attacks on political opponents, destruction of campaign materials and the operation of unauthorised security groups, noting that the order applies equally to members of the ruling party and opposition parties.
He directed security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, identify potential flashpoints, prevent the movement of weapons and armed groups, protect lawful political activities and investigate the organisers and financiers of political violence.
“Every candidate is free to campaign peacefully in Taraba State, but no candidate or political actor will be permitted to place dangerous weapons in the hands of our young people or endanger the lives of our citizens,” the governor said.
On mining, Kefas said the executive order was introduced to address illegal, unsafe and unregulated mining activities while promoting responsible exploitation of the state’s abundant mineral resources.
He explained that the order provides for the documentation and profiling of mining operators, workers, mineral dealers, processing facilities and mining sites across the state, while strengthening collaboration between the state government, relevant federal authorities, host communities and security agencies.
The governor warned that the government would intensify its crackdown on illegal mining, mineral smuggling, child labour, environmental degradation, unauthorised excavation, unlawful occupation of community land and the use of mining sites for criminal activities.
He, however, assured legitimate investors that the policy was designed to create a transparent, secure and predictable environment for responsible mining rather than discourage genuine investment.
Kefas directed all ministries, departments and agencies, local government councils and relevant public officials to commence immediate implementation of the executive orders.
He also mandated each institution to develop clear implementation plans outlining assigned responsibilities, timelines, required resources, expected outcomes and accountability mechanisms.
He said the Secretary to the State Government will coordinate implementation across relevant ministries and agencies, while the Office of the State Adviser on Security will oversee security-related aspects.
According to him, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice will provide legal guidance to ensure enforcement complies with constitutional and statutory provisions.
Calling for public support, the governor urged residents to reject drug abuse, political thuggery and hate speech, report drug trafficking, illegal mining and other criminal activities through lawful channels, and cooperate with security agencies in ensuring peace and sustainable development.
He reiterated that the executive orders were preventive, corrective and developmental measures aimed at protecting lives, preserving public peace and ensuring that Taraba State’s natural resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations.
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