A former Nigerian envoy to Trinidad and Tobago, Alhaji Hassan Ardo, has launched a scathing critique of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas' administration, claiming that President Bola Tinubu's recent visit to the state exposed significant governance failures.

Ardo, who also served as the pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, told journalists in Jalingo on Thursday that the visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, highlighted the lack of tangible achievements under the two-year-old Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

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

The former diplomat alleged that Governor Kefas' administration has prioritized personal luxuries, including refurbishing the Government House and lodges, rather than addressing critical infrastructure challenges facing Taraba residents.

He specifically pointed to the Namnai Bridge, which collapsed over a year ago and remains unrepaired despite public promises from the state government. "That bridge is far more important to the daily lives of our people than the airport. It's shameful that nothing has been done months after the governor claimed the contract for its reconstruction had been awarded. Meanwhile, communities remain cut off, and residents suffer severe economic losses," Ardo lamented.

Challenging the Taraba State government to showcase any meaningful project initiated and completed under Kefas' leadership, Ardo claimed that most visible efforts serve only the governor's comfort rather than addressing public needs.

While commending President Tinubu's efforts to attract investors to Taraba, particularly in the agricultural sector, Ardo maintained that the presidential visit confirmed long-standing criticisms of the state government's performance.

"When we speak, they say it's politics. But this visit has vindicated those of us who have consistently pointed out the failures of this administration," he added.

The former APC chairman called on the federal government to implement special intervention programs in Taraba to alleviate what he described as the burden of poor governance under the PDP-led administration in the state.

Governor Kefas' administration, which is approaching its second anniversary, has yet to respond to these allegations at the time of reporting.