Sowore's Tweets on Taraba’s Gov: Why I Agree to Disagree with Sowore's Tweets on His Excellency Agbu Kefas [Personal Opinion & Detailed Analysis]
- Simon Zaku
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Who is Sowore – Brief History
When you hear the name Omoyele Sowore, one thing that comes to mind is fearless activism. From his university days to the national stage, Sowore has carried himself as someone who refuses to keep quiet in the face of bad governance.
He first gained attention during his time at the University of Lagos in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where he was part of the student union government. He led protests against military rule, corruption, and even the introduction of policies that he felt would harm students and ordinary Nigerians.
Those early struggles shaped him into the activist he is today.
But Sowore didn’t stop there. He later founded Sahara Reporters, an online news platform that became famous for exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and shady deals by politicians.
Unlike many traditional newspapers that were often censored or controlled by powerful figures, Sahara Reporters gave Nigerians raw, unfiltered information. For many years, it became the go-to site for whistleblowers and concerned citizens who wanted the truth to come out.
In recent years, Sowore has also stepped into active politics. He founded the African Action Congress (AAC) and contested for the presidency of Nigeria in 2019 and 2023.
While he didn’t win, his campaigns reminded Nigerians that politics is not only for the wealthy and career politicians. He positioned himself as a voice for the masses, promising radical reforms if given the chance.
Of course, his style has often been controversial. Some people admire his bluntness and honesty, while others feel he sometimes crosses the line with his criticisms.
He has been arrested, detained, and even banned temporarily from leaving Nigeria—all because of his outspoken stance against those in power.
Yet, no matter what, Sowore has remained consistent: he is an activist who is never afraid to speak up, no matter who the leader is or how big the office they occupy.
This is the Sowore that recently turned his attention to Taraba and Governor Agbu Kefas. And, as expected, his words sparked reactions far and wide.
Who is Taraba's Dr. Agbu Kefas – A Brief History
Dr. Agbu Kefas, the current Governor of Taraba State, is not your typical Nigerian politician.
He is a retired Nigerian Army officer, a pastor, a writer, and a philanthropist before being a governor.
He embodies the rare mix of military discipline and spiritual depth that many of his followers admire.
Born in Wukari, Taraba State, Agbu Kefas served in the Nigerian Army and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
His years in service taught him resilience, order, and leadership under pressure.
After retiring from the army, he transitioned into a life of faith and community service. He became known for his humility, his ability to listen, and his passion for development.
In 2023, Tarabans gave him the mandate to lead the state as governor.
From day one, his administration has emphasized education, security, rural development, and inclusivity.
One of his boldest policies was the announcement of free education in Taraba, which immediately caught national attention.
He also began reforms in agriculture, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
Of course, leadership in Nigeria is never without challenges.
No matter how good the intentions, governors face a deeply entrenched system of bureaucracy and resistance.
Dr. Agbu Kefas’s leadership has been praised by many who see him as approachable and genuine, but at the same time, critics argue that change is not happening as fast as they expected.
Still, it’s important to note that in just over two years in office, he has made some bold moves that show his commitment to Taraba. His story is not that of a career politician but of someone who stepped into governance out of duty and love for his people.
That, in itself, sets him apart.
What Triggered Sowore's Tweets About Taraba State, Tarabans,
The tension began when Omoyele Sowore posted strongly worded tweets about Taraba State under Governor Agbu Kefas.
In those tweets, Sowore described Taraba as a land of “fake promises and decaying schools.”
He shared images of students sitting on floors without desks, roads that were in terrible shape, and unfinished projects like the Jalingo Trade Fair Center—despite claims that billions had already been spent.
For Sowore, these failures were proof that the governor had not lived up to his promises.
His posts went viral quickly, especially because they were blunt, loaded with emotion, and shared by someone with a reputation for exposing hard truths.
Naturally, Tarabans reacted. Some agreed instantly, saying Sowore was simply voicing the frustrations of ordinary citizens.
Others felt his words were disrespectful, especially given the fact that Governor Kefas has only been in office for a short while and has initiated reforms.
The debate spilled into Facebook groups, WhatsApp statuses, and conversations at motor parks, markets, and offices.
It wasn’t the first time Sowore had attacked a sitting governor, and it likely won’t be the last. But the reason his tweets hit so hard is because they touched a nerve: Taraba people are tired of suffering, and they want faster results. That frustration is what triggered the heated reactions across the state and beyond.
History of Sowore
To truly understand Sowore’s position, we must revisit his history. Omoyele Sowore has never been a man to sit quietly while things go wrong.
From his early days, he was always at the forefront of struggles.
During the era of military dictatorships, Sowore organized student protests against military brutality. He faced arrests and detentions for daring to speak against powerful figures.
Later in life, through Sahara Reporters, he became a kind of watchdog for Nigeria. He published exposes on election rigging, looted funds, and abuse of office. His platform empowered ordinary citizens with a voice.
But Sowore’s story is also one of sacrifice. He has been beaten, jailed, and harassed for refusing to back down.
Even when he contested for the presidency, he carried the same energy—bold, fiery, and uncompromising. He may not have won politically, but he gained respect as someone who consistently stands on the side of the masses.
This is why, when he criticizes leaders like Agbu Kefas, people take him seriously. He has a track record of calling out power, even when it’s risky.
And while not everyone agrees with his style, his history explains why he doesn’t hesitate to throw heavy punches at those in office.
Why I Don’t Fully Agree With Sowore’s Tweets
Now let me be very honest here. While Sowore’s tweets raised issues that are real, I don’t fully agree with him. Why? Because governance is not a one-man show.
A governor can approve free education, but if the Ministry of Education fails to implement it properly, should all the blame go back to him?
A governor can approve billions for road construction, but if the House delays approval, contractors inflate prices, or civil servants mismanage funds, how do you hold only the governor responsible?
I believe Sowore’s comments reduce a complex problem into a simple blame game. That’s where I disagree. Leadership, especially in a state like Taraba, is more like a team sport.
If one man is running while the rest of the team is jogging—or worse, dragging their feet—progress will always be slow.
So yes, I understand Sowore’s anger. But it would be unfair to ignore the deeper rot in the system and put all the pressure on one man’s shoulders.
Why I Understand Those Who Agree With Sowore’s Tweets on Agbu Kefas
At the same time, I cannot dismiss those who feel Sowore spoke the truth. Tarabans are not blind.
They see the condition of their schools. They feel the bumps on their roads daily. They witness projects that take years with no completion in sight.
For a mother whose child sits on a bare floor to learn, or a farmer who cannot transport goods because of bad roads, it doesn’t matter whether it’s the civil service or commissioners at fault—the governor is the one they hold responsible. And that is fair from the citizens’ perspective.
This is why I empathize with Tarabans who share Sowore’s frustration.
They are not being unreasonable. They simply want a better life, and they want it sooner rather than later. In their eyes, the governor is the symbol of hope, so naturally, he carries both their praise and their blame.
The Real Picture We Should Be Looking At
The bigger question we should be asking is this: what happens between the governor’s approval and the actual execution of projects?
We’ve seen it countless times—funds released but projects stalling midway. Bills passed but not properly monitored.
Approvals given but paperwork disappearing into bureaucratic black holes.
This is the picture we should be examining.
It is not enough to say, “the governor promised.” We must ask: who handled the funds?
Who supervised the projects?
Which ministries were involved?
Was there transparency?
Until we answer these questions, we will keep blaming one man, while the real bottlenecks remain untouched.
The Infected System Here in Taraba State
Corruption in Nigeria is rarely about one person. It’s a system. Taraba is no different.
Think about it: how many files sit on desks for months without movement? How many funds are “lost” before reaching their destination?
How many directors, commissioners, and civil servants misuse their offices?
This is the infection we are dealing with. It spreads from top to bottom. It’s not only about leadership at the executive level.
It is about every hand that touches public funds, every official that handles approvals, and every contractor that receives government money.
Until we disinfect the system, no governor can succeed alone.
My Final Say – One Man Can’t Change Taraba; We Need All Hands on Deck
The truth is simple: no single man can rebuild Taraba. Leadership must be collective.
From the governor to the smallest civil servant, everyone has a role to play.
Governor Agbu Kefas has the vision. But the vision must be backed by committed, honest, and accountable stakeholders at every level of government.
Without that, even the best plans will stall.
We must stop thinking of governance as a one-man effort and start seeing it as a team responsibility.
What We Need To Do Together
As Tarabans, we must also take responsibility. Citizens must hold ministries accountable.
Civil society must track projects. Communities must demand transparency.
Development cannot happen in isolation. It requires citizens and government working side by side. When everyone pulls their weight, progress will come faster.
What We Tarabans Need To Do
This is a call for unity.
Instead of endless blame games, let us focus on solutions.
Let us demand audits, request public records, and monitor projects in our communities. Let us give feedback to leaders—not just criticize but also offer ideas.
Taraba will only rise when accountability becomes everyone’s duty.
On Behalf of IbiFounders, Tarabans, and Taraba State, Here is A Call to Our Beloved Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas
Your Excellency, the people believe in you. But your team matters.
Please keep a close eye on commissioners, directors, and permanent secretaries.
Ensure that every kobo released is accounted for and every project approved is executed.
Your leadership is the light, but your team must carry that light into every corner of Taraba.
Show Support; Don’t Discard Our Leader
At the end of the day, Governor Kefas is not the enemy. He is a leader trying within a challenging system. Sowore’s tweets remind us of the work that still needs to be done, but they should not blind us to the efforts already in motion.
Instead of discarding our leader, let us support him. Let us demand accountability at every level while still rallying behind the governor’s vision.
Because truly, one man cannot change Taraba. But together, we can.
✍️ Written by Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, IbiFoundry Ltd
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