Governor Kefas signs three Executive Orders to tackle drug abuse, electoral violence, illegal mining

Taraba Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has signed three executive orders aimed at addressing drug abuse and mental health challenges, strengthening electoral security, and regulating mining activities across the state.

The executive orders, which took effect immediately after they were signed on Sunday, are designed to protect lives, safeguard the democratic process, and ensure that the state’s mineral resources are exploited responsibly for the benefit of host communities.

The first order establishes a comprehensive framework for the prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation of persons affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions. It mandates collaboration among relevant ministries, security agencies, healthcare institutions, schools, traditional rulers and religious organisations to promote public awareness, improve data collection and provide targeted interventions, particularly for young people.

The government stressed that the initiative is intended to provide support and rehabilitation rather than stigmatise affected persons, while intensifying the crackdown on drug production, trafficking and distribution networks.

The second order focuses on ensuring peaceful political activities by prohibiting political thuggery, hate speech, voter intimidation and the possession or use of weapons at political rallies, campaigns and processions. It applies to all political parties, with enforcement expected to be impartial, intelligence-driven and evidence-based.

Security agencies have been directed to identify flashpoints, prevent the movement of weapons and armed groups, and investigate individuals financing or sponsoring political violence.

Governor Kefas reaffirmed that while every candidate is free to campaign peacefully, no political actor would be allowed to arm youths or endanger public safety.

The third order seeks to curb illegal, unsafe and unregulated mining by strengthening the documentation of operators, workers, equipment and mining sites. It also provides a framework for closer collaboration between the state, federal authorities, host communities and security agencies to combat illegal mining, mineral smuggling, child labour, environmental degradation and the use of mining locations for criminal activities, while assuring genuine investors of a transparent and secure operating environment.

To ensure effective implementation, the Secretary to the State Government will coordinate execution of the orders, with the State Adviser on Security and the Attorney-General providing security and legal oversight.

Ministries, departments, agencies and local governments have been directed to develop implementation plans, while residents have been urged to reject drug abuse and political violence, report illegal mining activities and cooperate with lawful security operations.