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Political Development of Taraba State 1991-2019

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Wukari International Studies Journal

The Political Development of Taraba State 1991-2019

Atando Dauda Agbu1

Department of History and Diplomatic Studies
Taraba State University, Jalingo
atandodauda@gmail.com
Isa Mohammed2
Department of Political Science and International Relations
Taraba State University, Jalingo
mohammedisa678@gmail.com
&
Magaji Peninnah Joseph3
Department of General Studies
College of Agriculture, Jalingo
peninnahjosephmagaji@gmail.com

Abstract
Political development revolves around the development of institutions, attitudes, and
values that form the political power of a society. The process of state and nation-state building to
survive is to satisfy the needs and demands of those who are subjects to its rule in the form of
political goal. Since its creation on the 27th August, 1991, Taraba State has undergone various
changes in the political, economic and social aspects. In order to understand the political
development of the state holistically, this chapter examines the creation of the state and its
political leadership succession, creation of Local Government Areas, the development of
traditional institutions, the nature and dynamics of political mobilization and political economy.
The chapter identifies peaceful transition and political stability, the creation of enduring
institutions like LGAs, Traditional Councils, and Development Areas as indices of political
development in the state. The chapter equally outlines some of the major challenges bedeviling
the state among which include untapped vast economic potentials in mineral resources, tourism,
and lack of modern agricultural practice. Thus, the sources of data used in the study are
secondary materials using qualitative descriptive analysis. The chapter concluded with
recommendations such as; visionary leadership, harnessing untapped mineral resources,
tolerance for peaceful co-existence, political inclusion, political consensus and a result oriented
peace and conflict resolution mechanism for sustainable development of the state.

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Keywords: Political Development, Institutions, Political Power, Political Process, Taraba

State.

Introduction
Taraba State is one of the 36 States of the Nigerian federation. The political development
of Taraba State must be contextualized and linked to the development of Nigeria since the
attainment of independence in 1960. States were created in Nigeria for regimes security, political
reasons and for national cohesion to achieve nation-building.

Political development is a very vague and comprehensive term that involves

consolidation of the democratic system, political stability or orderly change, nation-building,
political modernization, political change, administrative and legal development, political
mobilization and participation, and above all, anything having its place in the multi-dimensional
development of the state (Pye, 1963 Cited in Johari, 1989, p. 212). This could be understood
when the variables of equality, capacity and differentiation are present in the management of a
population under a given political system.

Binder (1971) suggested five (5) implications of political development concept in any society:

1) Change of identity from religious to ethnic and from parochial to societal side
2) Change of legitimacy from transcendental to immanent sources
3) Change of political participation from elite to mass and from family to groups
4) Change of distribution from status privilege to achievement, and
5) Change in the degree of administrative and legal penetration to social structure and to
remote regions of the country.

This view captures the political development and history of the gradual transformation of Taraba
State systematically as component unit in Nigerian federal state in Nigeria. In another view,
Organski (1965) relates political development to national development as a combined process
which includes the following:

1) Political unification
2) Industrialization
3) National welfare; and
4) Affluence.

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Hence, the creation of Taraba State was aimed at bringing government and development
closer to the people, to ensure the inclusion of the minority ethnic groups and the promotion of
democracy in the larger federation of Nigeria. The formation of new structures and patterns
which enable the state to cope with its fundamental problems. Huntington (1965) posited that for
new states to develop they must have strong institutions that would meet the people’s demand in
the context of adaptation, complexity, autonomy and cohesion. In the origins of political order,
the existence of institutions, rule of law and accountable government is necessary (Fukuyama,
2011, p. 16).

Therefore, it is in this context that the purpose of this chapter is to examine, analyze and identify
the various indices of political development in Taraba State since its creation in 1991 from
Nyame’s “Taraba Project” to Suntai’s “Let’s the Legacy Continue” and to Ishaku’s “Rescue
Mission Agenda”.

The Creation of Taraba State: The history of the creation of Taraba State could be traced to
the creation of the then North-Eastern State which was created on the 27th May, 1967, with its
capital in Maiduguri. Thereafter, on 3rd February, 1976 the North-Eastern State was divided into
Borno, Bauchi and Gongola States for political and administrative convenience. Gongola State
comprised Adamawa and Sardauna Provinces of North-Eastern State together with Wukari
Division of the then Benue-Plateau State. This situation continued till the military government
divided Gongola State into Adamawa and Taraba States in 1991.

Taraba State was created on August 27th, 1991 out of the defunct Gongola State by the
then Military Administration of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. The State got her name
from River Taraba, one of the three main rivers that run through the state and covers a land area
of approximately 60,000 Km2 and a land mass total area of 60, 291.82 Km2 which makes it the
third largest in the country after Niger and Borno States (Taraba State Government, 2014; 2018).

The State lies between 60 30’ and 80 30’ north of the equator and between longitude 90
00’ and 120 00’ east of the Greenwich Meridian. The state shares boundaries with Bauchi and
Gombe States in the north, Adamawa state in the east, Plateau state in the north-west, Benue and
Nasarawa State in the west, and shared international boundary with the Republic of Cameroon in
the south. The population of the State in 2006, according to 2006 Census figures released by the
National Population Commission (NPC), was Two million three hundred thousand, seven

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Wukari International Studies Journal

hundred and thirty six people (2, 300, 736). However, the current projection of the population of
the state as at 2016 is 3 million people (TSG Diary, 2018).

Taraba State is the most ethnically diverse State in Nigeria with over 80 ethnic groups
each with its distinct historical and cultural heritage which had cohabited peacefully with one
another. Some of these tribes include; Mumuye, Ichen, Wurkun, Mambilla, Kuteb, Chamba,
Jukun, Yandang, Kunini, Fulani, Jenjo, Lo, Ndoro, Kambu, Kaka, Bandawa, Munga, Tiv, Zo,
Bambuka, Jibu, Shomo, and Jole respectively (Egbunu, 2018, p. 15).

At inception, the state comprised nine (9) Local Government Areas namely; Jalingo, Bali,
Gashaka, Lau, Karim Lamido, Sardauna, Wukari, Takum and Zing. In addition, in September,
1991, Ibbi, Donga and Yorro Local Government Areas were created. Similarly, in 1996, the
Military Junta of General Sani Abacha created four (4) more Local Government Areas; Ardo-
Kola, Kurmi, Ussa, and Gassol which increased the number to sixteen (16) Local Government
Areas in the state. Presently, the State has two Development Areas, Yangtu and Ngada (Agbu,
2016, p.1).

Administrative Units and Population of Taraba State: There are 168 Wards and 1,912 polling
units in the State. Three Senatorial Zones; Northern, Central and Southern, and six Federal
Constituencies; Ardo-Kola-Lau-Karim Lamido, Jalingo-Yorro-Zing, Bali-Gassol, Sardauna-
Gashaka-Kurmi, Takum-Ussa-Donga, and Wukari-Ibbi respectively (Taraba State Government,
2018; Independent National Electoral Commission, 2015).

TABLE 1: The Sixteen Local Government Areas and Development Areas in Taraba State
S/N NAME 2006 Figures 2016 Projections
1 Ardo-Kola 87, 784 128,890
2 Bali 211,024 290,607
3 Donga 133,105 183,303
4 Gashaka 87, 166 120,039
5 Gassol 245, 086 337, 515
6 Ibbi 84, 302 116, 095
7 Jalingo 140, 318 193, 236
8 Karim Lamido 193, 924 267,058
9 Kurmi 91,283 125,708
10 Lau 95,190 131,089
11 Sardauna 224,337 308,941

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Wukari International Studies Journal

12 Takum 134,576 185,328

13 Ussa 90,889 125,166
14 Wukari 238, 283 328,146
15 Yorro 89,865 123,756
16 Zing 127, 685 175,839
17 Yangtu (D.A) 19,964 27, 497
18 Ngada (D.A) N/A N/A
19 Grand Total 2, 229, 781 3, 168, 209
Source: Adapted from Taraba State Government Diary, 2018.

The analysis of the population of the state is necessitated on the fact that any
developmental project could be done using the demographic data for the ease of making public
policy choices. Hence, the above 2006 and 2016 projections would reveal the following for the
three Zones of the state. The Northern Zone with six (6) LGAs of Ardo-Kola, Jalingo, Karim
Lamido, Lau, Yorro and Zing has Seven Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred
and Sixty Six (734, 766) in 2006 census, and One Million, One Hundred and Nine, Eight
Hundred and Sixty Eight (1, 109, 868) for 2016 projections. Similarly, the Central Zone which is
made up of five (5) LGAs of Bali, Gashaka, Gassol, Kurmi and Sardauna had the population of
eight hundred and fifty eight, eight hundred and ninety six (858, 896) for 2006 and one million,
one hundred and eighty two, eight hundred and ten (1, 182, 810) for the 2016 projections. Lastly,
the Southern Zone with five (5) LGAs of Donga, Ibbi, Takum, Ussa and Wukari has the
population of six hundred and eighty one, one hundred and fifty five (681,155) in 2006 and nine
hundred and eighty three thousand and thirty eight (983, 038) for the 2016 projections.

The History of Political Leadership Succession: Since its creation in 1991, Taraba State has
been administered by two major types of leadership; found and practiced in post-colonial
Nigerian-State; Military and democratic regimes.

Table 2: Military Administrators of Taraba State Since 1991

S/N Name Period of Service
1 Navy Capt. Ambrose A. Afolahan 28th August, 1991-31st Dec. 1991
2 Col. Yohanna Mamman Dickson 9th Dece.1993- 22nd August, 1996
3 Compol A. E. Oyakhire 22nd August, 1996- August, 1998
4 Col. Joseph O. Owoniyi August, 1998- 29th May, 1999
Source: Taraba State Government Diary, 2018.

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Table 3: Executive Governors of Taraba State Since 1991

S/N Name Party Zone Year
1 Rev. Jolly T. Nyameh Social Northern 2nd January, 1992- 17th
Democratic November, 1993
Party
2 Rev. Jolly T. Nyameh People Northern 29th May, 1999- 29th
Democratic May, 2003
Party
3 Rev. Jolly T. Nyameh People Northern 29th May, 2003- 29th
Democratic May, 2007
Party
4 Pharm Danbaba D. Suntai People Central 29th May, 2007- 29th
Democratic May, 2011
Party
5 Pharm Danbaba D. Suntai People Central 29th May, 2011-29th
Democratic May, 2015
Party
6 Arch. Darius D. Ishaku People Southern 29th May 2015-29th
Democratic May, 2019
Party
7 Arch. Darius D. Ishaku People Southern 29th May 2019-
Democratic
Party
Source: Adapted from Taraba State Government, 2019.

It is important to note that, Governor Suntai was involved in a plane crash alongside his
aides on 25th October, 2012, which created vacuum and political impasse in the leadership of
Taraba State. His Deputy, Alh. Garba Umar (UTC) was sworn-in as Acting Governor from
2012-2014. In dramatic Supreme Court judgment, the earlier impeached Deputy Governor Alh.
Sani Abubakar Danladi was reinstated on the ground that his impeachment was illegal and
served for six (6) months, November 2014- May 2015, as Acting Governor (TSG, 2015).

Table 4: Speakers of Taraba State House of Assembly Since 1991

S/N Name Party Zone Year
1 Rt. Hon. Anthony G. Social Northern 19th Jan. 1992-17th Dec.
Danburam Democratic 1992
Party
2 Rt. Hon. Danjuma Bello Social Northern 17th Dec. 1992-13TH Nov.
Democratic 1993
Party
3 Rt. Hon. Simon Shinpu Peoples Northern 14th June 1999-18 Jan 2000

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Democratic
Party
4 Rt. Hon. Habu Isa Ajiya Peoples Northern 18th Jan. 2000-1st Feb.2001
Democratic
Party
5 Rt. Hon. B. C Yerima Peoples Northern Ag Speaker 2000
Democratic
Party
6 Rt. Hon. Hamidu A. Peoples Northern Ist Feb. 2001-18th March,
Suleiman Democratic 2002
Party
7 Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Husseini Peoples Northern 18th March.2002-16th June
Democratic 2003
Party
8 Rt. Hon. Simon I. Dogari Peoples Central 6th June 2003-12th October
Democratic 2004
Party
9 Rt. Hon. Barr. Istifanus Peoples Southern 12th October 2004- 4th Nov.
Haruna Gbana Democratic 2013
Party
10 Rt. Hon. Haruna Tsokwa Peoples Southern 22nd April 2013- 11th Nov.
Democratic 2013
Party
11 Rt. Hon. Josiah S. Kente Peoples Southern 11th Nov. 2013- 24th Nov.
Democratic 2014
Party
12 Rt. Hon. Dr. Mark Useni Peoples Southern 24th Nov. 2014- 3rd June,
Bako Democratic 2015
Party
13 Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah Peoples Central 3rd June, 2015- 4th Feb,
Democratic 2016
Party
14 Rt. Hon. Dr. Mark Useni Peoples Southern 4th Feb. 2016-17th March,
Bako Democratic 2016
Party
15 Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah Peoples Central 17th March 2016- May,
Democratic 2019
Party
16 Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah Peoples Central 2019
Democratic
Party
Source: Adapted from Taraba State Government, 2019.

Taraba State Judiciary: The Taraba State Ministry of Justice was established on 27th August,
1991. The judiciary is another important arm of government which is saddled with the

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Wukari International Studies Journal

responsibility of administering justice. In Taraba State, the Chief Judge double as Chairman of
the State Judicial Service Commission.

Table 5: Chief Justices of Taraba State Since 1991

S/N Name Period Of Service
1 Justice Mahmud Mohammed 27th August, 1991- 31st March, 1992
2 Justice Adamu Aliyu 1st Jan. 1993- 4th April, 2012
3 Justice Josephine Yakubu Tuktur 4th April, 2012-
Source: Taraba State Ministry of Justice, 2018.

There are four levels of dispensing justice in the State through the courts as follows:
1. The High Court
2. The Shari’a Court
3. The Area Court
4. The Customary Court

Moreover, there are four judicial divisions in the State namely; Jalingo, Gembu, Wukari and
Bali respectively. Hence, among other functions of the Ministry of Justice includes; setting-up
commissions and tribunals of inquiry in the State, administration of justice, administration of
estates and trustees, public prosecution and civil litigation, rendering legal advice to government,
rendering legal advice to the Police, and litigation and general practice etc.

Table 6: Senators of Taraba State Since 1991

S/N Name Party Zone Year
1 Sen. Abdullahi Kirim Social Northern 1991-1992
Democratic
Party
2 Sen. Ibrahim Goje Social Central 1991-1992
Democratic
Party
3 Sen. U. J. Yohanna Social Southern 1991-1992
Democratic
Party
4 Sen. Abdullahi Bala Adamu Peoples Northern 1999-2003
Democratic
Party
5 Sen. Ambuno Zik Sunday Peoples Northern 2003-2007
Democratic
Party
6 Sen. Anthony G. Manzo Peoples Northern 2007-2011

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Democratic
Party
7 Sen. Aisha Jummai Alhassan Peoples Northern 2011-2015
Democratic
Party
8 Sen. Shuaibu Isa Lau Peoples Northern 2015-2019
Democratic
Party
9 Sen. Shuaibu Isa Lau Peoples Northern 2019-
Democratic
Party
10 Sen. Abdul-Aziz A. Ibrahim Peoples Central 1999-2003
Democratic
Party
11 Sen. Abdul-Aziz A. Ibrahim Peoples Central 2003-2007
Democratic
Party
12 Sen. Dahiru Bako Peoples Central 2007-2011
Democratic
Party
13 Sen. Abubakar Tutare Peoples Central 2011-2015
Democratic
Party
14 Sen. Yusuf A. Yusuf All Progressive Central 2015-2019
Congress
15 Sen. Yusuf A. Yusuf All Progressive Central 2019-
Congress
16 Sen. Dalhatu Sangari All Peoples Southern 1999-2003
Party
17 Sen. Saleh Usman Danboyi Peoples Southern 2003-2007
Democratic
Party
18 Sen. Joel Danlami Ikenya Peoples Southern 2007-2011
Democratic
Party
19 Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha Peoples Southern 2011-2015
Democratic
Party
20 Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha Peoples Southern 2015-2019
Democratic
Party
21 Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha Peoples Southern 2019-
Democratic
Party
Source: Adapted from Taraba State Government, 2018.

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Table 7: Members of the House of Representatives of Taraba State Since 1991

S/N Name Party Constituency Year
1 Hon. A. A. Al-Gaddas Peoples Jalingo-Yorro-Zing 1999-2003
Democratic
Party
2 Hon. A. A. Al-Gaddas Peoples Jalingo-Yorro-Zing 2003-2007
Democratic
Party
3 Hon. Henry Shawulu Peoples Jalingo-Yorro-Zing 2007-2011
Democratic
Party
5 Hon. Aminu I. Malle Congress for Jalingo-Yorro-Zing 2011-2015
Progressive
Change
6 Hon. Aminu I. Malle All Progressive Jalingo-Yorro-Zing 2015-2019
Congress
7 Hon. Kasimu B. Maigari All Progressive Jalingo-Yorro-Zing 2019-
Congress
8 Hon. T. T. Kanin Peoples Ardo-kola-Lau- 1999-2003
Democratic Karim Lamido
Party
9 Hon. T. T. Kanin Peoples Ardo-kola-Lau- 2003-2007
Democratic Karim Lamido
Party
10 Hon. Jerry S. Manweh Peoples Ardo-kola-Lau- 2007-2011
Democratic Karim Lamido
Party
11 Hon. Jerry S. Manweh Peoples Ardo-kola-Lau- 2011-2015
Democratic Karim Lamido
Party
12 Hon. Danladi Baido Tijo Peoples Ardo-kola-Lau- 2015-2019
Democratic Karim Lamido
Party
13 Hon. Danladi Baido Tijo Peoples Ardo-kola-Lau- 2019-
Democratic Karim Lamido
Party
14 Hon. Kuriah Tafarki Peoples Sardauna-Gashaka- 1999-2003
Democratic Kurmi
Party
15 Hon. Babangida S. Peoples Sardauna-Gashaka- 2003-2007
Nguroje Democratic Kurmi
Party
16 Hon. Babangida S. Peoples Sardauna-Gashaka- 2007-2011
Nguroje Democratic Kurmi

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Party
17 Hon. Barr. Ibrahim T. El- Peoples Sardauna-Gashaka- 2011-2015
Sudi Democratic Kurmi
Party
18 Hon. D.C Hosea Peoples Sardauna-Gashaka- 2015-2019
Democratic Kurmi
Party
19 Hon. David Fouh Peoples Sardauna-Gashaka- 2019-
Democratic Kurmi
Party
20 Hon. Dahiru Bako Peoples Bali-Gassol 1999-2003
Democratic
Party
21 Hon. Dahiru Bako Peoples Bali-Gassol 2003-2007
Democratic
Party
22 Hon. Kabiru A. Jallo Peoples Bali-Gassol 2007-2011
Democratic
Party
23 Hon. Haruna Manu Peoples Bali-Gassol 2011-2015
Democratic
Party
24 Hon. AbdulAziz Tonku Peoples Takum-Ussa- 1999-2003
Democratic Donga
Party
25 Hon. Emmanuel Bwacha Peoples Takum-Ussa- 2003-2007
Democratic Donga
Party
26 Hon. Barr. Albert Sam Peoples Takum-Ussa- 2007-2011
Tsokwa Democratic Donga
Party
27 Hon. Barr. Albert Sam Peoples Takum-Ussa- 2011-2015
Tsokwa Democratic Donga
Party
28 Hon. Rimam Shawulu Peoples Takum-Ussa- 2015-
Democratic Donga
Party
29 Hon. Danlami Sunsuwa Peoples Wukari-Ibbi 1999-2003
Democratic
Party
30 Hon. Joel Danlami Ikenya Peoples Wukari-Ibbi 2003-2007
Democratic
Party
31 Hon. Barr. Ishiaka Bawa Peoples Wukari-Ibbi 2007-2011
Democratic
Party

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Wukari International Studies Journal

32 Hon. Barr. Ishiaka Bawa Peoples Wukari-Ibbi 2011-2015

Democratic
Party
33 Hon. Danjuma U. Shiddi All Progressive Wukari-Ibbi 2015-2019
Grand Alliance
34 Hon. Danjuma U. Shiddi All Progressive Wukari-Ibbi 2019-
Grand Alliance
Source: Survey of Political Development in Taraba State, 2019.

Table 8: Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Taraba State Since 1991
S/N Name Ministry Party Zone Year
1 Hon. Ali Habu Fari Min. of National Southern 1979-1983
Health Party of
Nigeria
2 Hon. Umar Baba Min. of - Northern 1992-1993
Defense &
Petroleum
Hon. M. T. Liman Min. of - Central 1995-1997
Education
3 General T. Y. Danjuma Min.of Peoples Southern 1999-2003
Defense Democratic
Party
4 Hon. Mohammed Shata Min. of Peoples Northern 1999-2003
Internal Democratic
Affairs Party
4 Amb. Idris Waziri Min. of Peoples Southern 2003-2007
Commerce Democratic
Party
6 Hon. Mrs Salome A. Min. of Peoples Southern 2006-2007
Jankada Water Res. Democratic
Party
7 Hon. Dr. Alhassan Min. of Peoples Southern 2007-2010
Bako Zaku Science & Democratic
Tech Party
8 Hon. Obadiah Ando Min. of Peoples Southern 2010-2011
Water Res. Democratic
Party
9 Hon. Arc. Darius Min. of Peoples Southern 2011-2013
Ishaku Power, Niger Democratic
Delta Party
10 Hon.Sen. Joel D.Ikenya Min. of Peoples Southern 2013-2014
Labour & Democratic
Prod Party
11 Hon. Sen. Aisha Min. of All Northern 2015-2018
Jummai Alhassan Women Progressive

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Affairs and Congress

Child Devt.
12 Engr. Saleh Mamman Min. of All Northern 2019-
Power Progressive
Congress
Source: Survey of Political Development of Taraba State, 2019.

Table 9: Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Taraba State Since 1991

S/N Name Country Zone Party
1 Amb. Prof. Sa’ad Abubakar Switzerland Northern -
2 Amb. Jolly Tanko Yusuf Germany/China Southern -
3 Amb. Idris Adamu Waziri Pakistan Southern Peoples
Democratic
Party
4 Amb. Suleiman Zubairu Mali Central Peoples
Democratic
Party
5 Amb. Umar J. L. Austaralia/Poland Central Peoples
Democratic
Party
6 Amb. Emmanuel Njiwah Cameroon Central Peoples
Democratic
Party
7 Amb. Anthony G. Manzo Israel Northern Peoples
Democratic
Party
8 Amb. Jeremiah Hassan Niger Southern Peoples
Democratic
Party
9 Amb. Suleiman J. Niger Central Peoples
Democratic
Party
10 Amb. Musa John Trinidad-Tobago Northern Peoples
Democratic
Party
11 Amb. Hassan Jika Ardo Central All Progressive
Congress
Source: Survey of Political Development of Taraba State, 2019.

The Traditional Institutions of Taraba State: Taraba State is a leading multi-ethno-cultural

and religious entity. Specifically, it is a melting pot of socio-cultural values and traditions with
over eighty (80) ethnic groups. Since its creation in 1991, the State has gone through various
stages of development in its traditional institutions.

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Historically, the Dan fodio Jihad of 1804 had influenced the pre-colonial Nigerian set up
with the re-organization of the Hausa States traditional institutions. The Indirect rule and Native
Authority system came to give much powers to the traditional rulers (Yahaya, 1980). These
trajectories, before the creation of Taraba State in 1991. there were three (3) major
Traditional/Emirate Councils which were known in Nigerian pre-jihad, colonial and post-
colonial politics; Muri Emirate Council, Sardauna Traditional Council and Wukari Traditional
Council (TSG, 2005).

The former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly T. Nyame, used the Laws of Taraba State
1997 Section 11(1) and 89 of Taraba State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2000 to create
Districts and upgraded Traditional Rulers in the State in 2005. This was otherwise known as the
Taraba State Upgradement of Traditional Rulers and Creation of Districts (Order) 2005 which
was gazette and came to effect on 1st January, 2005 (ibid,). In 2017, there was additional
upgradement and creation of new traditional councils in the State. The exercise is still on-going
and the newly created five (5) more First Class Emirs/Chiefs apart from the two (2) old ones as
at 2005, are the following:

1. Aku Uka of Wukari (Old)

2. Emir of Muri (Old)
3. Kpanti Zing (Old)
4. Ukwe Takum (New)
5. Chief of Mambilla (New)
6. Gara Donga (New)
7. Lamdo Gashaka (New)

The State there has a Council of Chiefs presided over by the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Royal
Majesty Dr. Shekarau Agyu Masa-ibi, Kuvyo II. Traditional administration witnessed enormous
transformation with the upgrading and creation of chiefdoms over the years. Before the recent
upgrading and creation of chiefdoms, the Muri Emirate alone had nine Third Class Chiefs, while
Sardauna and Wukari Traditional Councils had one third class chiefs each as listed below. This
took place many years after the chiefdoms of Takum (Ukwe), Sardauna (Mambilla), Donga and
Gashaka were upgraded from Second Class to First Class status. The Third Class
Chiefs/Chiefdoms were as follows:

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Wukari International Studies Journal

Muri Emirate Council

1. Bakundi Chiefdom Bali L.G.A
2. Dakka Chiefdom Bali L.G.A
3. Wurkun Chiefdom Karim Lamido L.G.A
4. Old Muri Chiefdom Karim Lamido L.G.A
5. Lau Chiefdom Lau L.G.A
6. Gassol Chiefdom Gassol L.G.A
7. Mutum Biyu Chiefdom Gassol L.G.A
8. Mumuye Chiefdom Yorro L.G.A
9. Kwaji Chiefdom Yorro L.G.A

Sardauna Traditional Council

1. Kurmi Chiefdom Kurmi L.G.A

Wukari Traditional Council

1. Ibi Chiefdom Ibi L.G.A

Table 10: Summary of Traditional Councils of Taraba State as at 2005

S/N Local 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class Districts
Government Area Emir/Chief Chiefdom Chiefdom
1 Ardo-Kola - - - 6
2 Bali - - 2 11
3 Donga 1 - - 10
4 Gashaka 1 - - 6
5 Gassol - - 2 12
6 Ibi - - 1 7
7 Jalingo 1 - - 8
8 Lau - - 1 7
9 Karim Lamido - - 2 18
10 Kurmi - - 1 10
11 Sardauna 1 - - 20
12 Takum 1 - - 10
13 Ussa - - - 9
14 Wukari 1 - - 18
15 Yorro - - 2 8

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Wukari International Studies Journal

16 Zing 1 - - 7
17 Total 7 - 11 167
Source: Taraba State Government, 2005.

Table 11: Summary of New Traditional Councils in Taraba State in 2018

S/N Local 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class Districts
Government Emir/Chiefdom Chiefdom Chiefdom
Area
1 Ardo-Kola - - -
2 Bali - 2 2
3 Donga - - 3
4 Gashaka - - 1
5 Gassol - 2 2
6 Ibi - 1 1
7 Jalingo - 1 -
8 Karim- Lamido - 2 1
9 Lau - 1 1
10 Sardauna - - 6
12 Takum - - 3
13 Ussa - - 2
14 Wukari - - 11
15 Yorro - 2 -
16 Zing - - 2
17 SDA - - 3
18 TOTAL - 11 37
19 Summary of 7 11 48 167
2005 & 2018
Traditional
Councils
Source: Taraba State Government, 2018.
The creation and upgrading of the traditional institution in the State have political and
administrative importance as follows:
i. Easy flow of traditional administration.
ii. Emancipation of communities that were hitherto being denied the right of self-
determination (Internal colonialism).
iii. It help create synergy between the State and traditional system for easy
State/traditional administration.
iv. Maintenance of political stability and harmony at the local and State levels.

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Major Development Projects in Taraba State, 1991-2019: Development in the context of the
State could be understood in two ways; in humans and things or critical infrastructures.
Presently, out of the 16 LGAs, there are 5 of them; Karim Lamido, Lau, Kurmi, Ussa and Yorro
that are not accessible from the State Capital especially during the raining season due to lack of
motorable road networks. Moreover, in terms of electricity only 7 LGAs are connected to the
national grid. Nevertheless, there are land marks development in the state since its creation in
1991 which includes the following:

Table 12: Some Major Development Projects in Taraba State Since 1991
S/N Development Projects Year
1. Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo 1991
2. College of Agriculture, Jalingo Inherited from Gongola State

3. Taraba State Broadcasting Service, Jalingo (TSBS) 1991

4. School of Health, Takum 1992

5. School of Nursing & Mid-Wifery Jalingo 1992

6. Taraba Television Authority, Jalingo (TTV) 1993

7. College of Education, Jalingo Inherited from Gongola State

8. A.J Owoniyi Main Jalingo Motor Park 1998

9. A.J Owoniyi Housing Estate 1998

10. Taraba Motel Jalingo 1999

11. Taraba Investment and Properties Ltd, Jalingo 1999

12. Specialist Hospital, Jalingo 2007

13. Taraba Air 2007

14. Jalingo Airport 2007

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15. Tecnobat Housing Estate Mile Six Jalingo 2007

16. Jolly Nyame Stadium Jalingo 2007

17. Jalingo Ultra-Modern Market Kpantinapu 2007

18. Taraba State University, Jalingo 2008

19. Jalingo Cassava Processing Plant 2008

20. Kpantinapu-ATC by-pass Road, Jalingo 2010

21. Jalingo-Sunkani-Bali Road 2010

22. Muslims Council Secretariat, Jalingo 2010

23. Christian Association of Nigeria Secretariat, Jalingo 2010

24. Four KLM Road in 16 LGAs 2012

25. Gashaka-Sardauna Road 2013

26. Green House Project, Jalingo 2017

27. Jalingo-Kona Dual Express Road 2017

28. Jalingo Water Expansion Project 2017

Source: Survey on some major development projects in Taraba State 1991-2019.

These major projects have been the source of internally generated revenue for the State. The
projects provides employment opportunities for the people of the state and boost industrial
activities since the creation of the State.

Table 13: Political Development and Decay in Taraba State Since 1991
S/N Positive (Development) Negative (Development)
1 Social cohesion Ethno-religious conflicts
2 Universal suffrage Election rigging

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3 Growing political participation Political apathy/defections

4 Independence of the judiciary Telephone justice
5 Separation of powers Competition for power
6 Tolerance of opposition Violation of human rights
7 Freedom of expression Muzzling of Press
8 Decentralization of powers Politicization of appointments

The Political Economy of Taraba State: Taraba State is blessed with abundant human and
natural resources. As an agrarian state, the occupation of the people of the state is mostly farming
with over 75% as seasonal farmers while 25% are in the civil service. The largest tributary of the
River Benue is found in the state which is the major source of farming, fishing and other
economic activities. Therefore, in order to understand the composition and contribution of the
economy to the development of the State and to Nigeria at large the economy is divided into six
(6) sectors:

1. Farming: Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. Taraba is the 3rd largest in terms
of land mass of the 36 States of Nigeria. Over 80% of the land is arable. Many food crops are
grown such as; Maize, guinea-corn, rice, yam, millet, sesame, cassava, sorghum, beans and cash
crops such as cocoa, coffee, tea, palm tree, cashew, mango, guava among others. In all the
sixteen (16) LGAs, different varieties of crops are grown. Even though, most of the farmers are
into subsistence farming, late M.K.O Abiola had invested in farming in Bali LGA of the State in
the early 1980s. Recently, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote had bought large expansive land
in Lau LGA for investment in Sugar and tomatoes (Field Survey, 2018).

2. Livestock: The rearing of livestock plays a central role in the economy of the State.
Taraba State has the highest concentration of livestock in Nigeria, especially cattle. This is
attributable to the climatic condition found in most parts of the State. The important area in this
regard is the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna LGA. It is estimated that 4.5 million cattle, 2.5
million sheep, 3.0 million goats, 6.0 million poultry, and 2.8 million pigs are reared in the State.
Over 30% of agricultural products of the state are from the livestock business which creates
employment for the rural dwellers (TSG, 2016).

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3. Solid Minerals: The discovery of solid minerals in the areas now under the state dates
back to the colonial days in the early 1960s. However, several attempts have been made with
great discoveries of varieties of solid minerals. In 2012, the Russian Institute of Aerospace
Instrumentation undertook satellite mineral survey using video thermal technology to assess the
feasibility of minerals which yielded a positive results of the presence of mineral deposits
untapped. In the last 20 years there have been different mining companies both local and
international that have been harnessing these minerals resources. Some of these precious stones
includes; Graphite, silver, barite, blue sapphire, tappaz, amataz, zinc ore, marble, laterite, iron
ore, gelano, copper, tomaline, manganese, gold, aquamarine, lad ore and magnetite etc. It is
discovered that in Bali, Donga, Wukari, Karim Lamido and Sardauna Local Government Areas
have long history of production of solid mineral in large quantities.

4. Taraba Green House Project: The Government of Taraba State established in 2015 an
agro-modern vegetable processing farm called the Green House located between Taraba State
University and College of Agriculture. It produces Taraba vegetables such as; Lettuce,
cucumber, pepper and tomatoes in every 45 days for sell using modern technology throughout
the year. The Green House is worth N2 billion Naira. The project is capable of generating
income of over $50 million dollars annually to the State government. At present, over 200 youths
are employed in different sections of the project. By engaging the youth, the project has helped
to reduce idleness and youth restiveness (Taraba State Government, 2018).

5. Industrialization: The State Government established many industries for investment and
economic development. The Taraba Investment and Properties Limited (TRIP) has over 25
subsidiary companies under it. There are many of these similar companies still existing and
providing services and employment opportunities to the people. Some of these companies are:
Mambilla Beverages producers of Highland Tea, Baissa Timber Company, Viva Feeds in Zing,
Tomato and Sugar Factory in Lau, Dutch Agricultural Technology Company (DATCO), Jalingo,
Cassava Processing Plant, TARCMA, Taraba Gas, Taraba Micro-Finance Bank etc. There are
hundreds of local rice processing outlets, bread, pure water, shoe making, and blacksmithing
works all over the State. There are similar service providers like; commercial banks, hotels and
restaurants, keke NAPEP (tricycles) and many transportation outfits in the state. These business

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outfits have no doubt raise the economic status of both indigenes and non-indigene living in the
State, in addition to serving as sources of revenue to the State.

6. Tourism: Globally, tourism has been considered a source of revenue generation. Taraba
State is blessed with different fascinating tourist attractions and potentials due to its rich
historical, cultural, recreational, and geographical beautiful scenery. It is a big industry with a
wide ranging investment opportunities in the Nature’s Gift to the Nation. There are site
attractions like; water falls, curves, lakes and rivers, mountains, and entertainment etc. Some of
these tourist attractions includes the following; Gashaka Gumti National Park, Marmara
Crocodile Pond Wukari, Nwonyo Fishing Festival, Ibi, Chappal Wade (The Mountain of Death)
Mambilla Plateau the highest altitude in West Africa and Nigeria standing at the height of 2, 400
meters above the sea level. There are various cultural festivals in the state that also attracts
visitors and tourists to the state like; Kuchichap, Puje, Kungana, Phepe, Minhu, Kilimbse, Matau,
Puma, Asanmu, Mazawaje, Kati etc. These festivals help to galvanize unity among the diverse
ethnic nationalities in the state.

Conclusion
This paper examines the creation of Taraba State as a sub-set of the federation of Nigeria. The
created has impacted enormously on the socio-political and economic development of the area.
The nature of political power, political division, and the development of traditional institutions.
Political development is an elusive concept but is entirely about nation-state building. Most state
in the Third World, according to Pye (1965), face crisis in their development, which Taraba State
is not an exception. He identified these crises to include; Identity, Legitimacy, Penetration,
Participation, Unification and Distribution. Hence, most of these crises have been part and parcel
of any development process universally. Taraba State has come of age, after 27 years of its
creation, to have had lots of achievements and crisis of rising expectations from the yearnings
and aspirations of the people compared to other states in Nigeria. The inclination of this chapter
is more on political development and centers on political power. As students of power and
politics, the central point of analysis is the state and the use of state power.

The major political contention in Taraba is the rate of mobilization and political
participation. While the nature of mobilization is high, the rate of political development is low.

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This is largely because social mobilization for political participation is done parochially on the
basis of zone, religion and tribe. This is the crux of the crisis associated with political
development in the context of political process. However, until merit substitute mediocrity
promoted by nepotism and patrimonialism the development of the state will continue to be
undermine. Politics of identity and sociology of power on the basis of religion and ethnicity has
eaten deep in the social configurations of the population to greater damaging level.

Therefore, the political development of the state must be conditioned on a visionary

political leadership and an informed followership. No doubt, as stated above, there are indices of
development and decay in various sectors of the state. Consequently, ethno-religious conflicts in
the various parts of the State, past and present, have been the major cause for lack of
development in the state in the last five years. Thus, this is why the present Governor Arch.
Darius Dickson Ishaku developed the slogan “Give me peace and I will give you development”
in his Rescue Mission.

Recommendations
Drawing from the development, challenges and prospects of Taraba State the following
recommendations suffice;
i. There is the need for visionary leadership and political will for the State to develop. The
political leaders should have and implement their development plans for the State.
ii. The government of the State should harness the untapped mineral resources for
development and internally generated revenue.
iii. The political elites and government in the State should ensure the politics of inclusion
and consensus for political development. Identity politics weakens democracy and its
institutions.
iv. There is the need for tolerance among the diverse people of the State for peaceful co-
existence to avoid mutual distrust and unnecessary tension.
v. The State should invest in modern agricultural practice in order to improve agriculture.
vi. There should be in place permanent and result-oriented peace and conflict resolution
mechanism in the State.
vii. The State is a secular and institutions should also reflect these principles of secularization
and specialization of government business.

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