By Callistus Agwaza, Jalingo
JALINGO (PRECISE POST) – The Southern Taraba Youth Coalition for Peace (STYCOP) on Sunday condemn the renaming of Taraba State Government House and lodges after Gen. T Y Danjuma by the State Governor Agbu Kefas.
In a statement issued on Sunday and made available to The Sun, Amb Rikwense Muri, National President of STYCOP said that TY Danjuma is too partisan and controversial to be given such honors in a State he has contributed to its polarisation along religious, political and ethnic lines.
According to Muri, “the Southern Taraba Youth Coalition for Peace (STYCOP) wishes to express our deep concerns regarding the recent decision by His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, to rename the Taraba State Government House in Jalingo and the Governor’s Lodges in Abuja and Wukari to T.Y. Danjuma House.
“While we acknowledge General T.Y. Danjuma’s contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, we must emphasize that honoring an active political figure with such a significant renaming is not only inappropriate but may also exacerbate the existing ethnic and religious divisions within our state. The perception of General Danjuma as an agent of division raises serious questions about the implications of this decision for all citizens of Taraba.
“Naming government institutions should reflect our collective values and aspirations as a diverse community. Other states in Nigeria have refrained from naming their government houses after individuals, regardless of their historical significance. For instance, Katsina State has not honored Muhammadu Buhari, and Niger State has not named its Government House after General Ibrahim Babangida. These examples illustrate a commitment to unity over personal accolades.
“In a state where various government panels have reported on ethnic and religious conflicts, associating our Government House with a controversial figure like Danjuma could further inflame tensions rather than foster the unity we strive for. His involvement in local chieftaincy disputes and political maneuverings has already raised concerns among the populace”.
The group urge Governor Kefas to prioritize inclusivity in all government actions and reject the notion that the Government House should bear the name of someone whose actions have been linked to division and conflict.
The coalition concluded that “the Southern Taraba Youth Coalition for Peace stands united in our call for the Governor to reconsider this decision. We believe it is imperative to honor figures who have contributed positively to the unity and progress of Taraba State, fostering an environment where all citizens feel represented and valued”.
