By Jeremiah Daniel Baba
I cannot tell the story of my early interest in politics without remembering the moments that shaped my understanding of leadership.
During my early teenage years, I developed an interest in listening to the news, following political developments, and learning about politicians and their contributions to society. One experience that particularly caught my attention was hearing testimonies about the work of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, who represented Southern Taraba in the Nigerian Senate.
I remember one Friday evening around 2018 or 2019 when my brother and I were sitting in the parlour watching television. We came across reports highlighting his achievements and the testimonies of people who benefited from his interventions in Southern Taraba. I was impressed by what I saw and heard.
At that moment, I asked myself a simple question: Why shouldn't a politician with such experience and a record of public service aspire to become governor?
That question made me pay closer attention to his political journey.
What interested me was not merely the testimonies about his achievements but also his years of experience in public service. His political career had taken him through different positions and responsibilities, giving him exposure to the complexities of governance and the demands of leadership.
To me, this raised an important question about what we should consider when choosing our leaders: Should we focus only on political promises, or should we also examine experience, competence, performance, and the capacity to deliver?
When the 2023 governorship election approached, I began to reflect more deeply on the political realities of Taraba State. Senator Bwacha contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) had historically enjoyed considerable political strength in the state. In my assessment at the time, this presented a significant political challenge for his ambition.
Although he did not win the election, the experience reinforced my interest in the relationship between political experience, party influence, electoral competition, and leadership.
I do not claim to understand every dimension of political strategy or propaganda. However, one principle has continued to shape my thinking: experience matters in leadership.
Leadership requires more than ambition. It demands judgment, knowledge, emotional intelligence, accountability, and the ability to make difficult decisions. Experience can help a leader understand institutions, manage competing interests, identify challenges, and make informed decisions.
Of course, experience alone does not guarantee good governance. A person may occupy public office for many years without producing meaningful results. Therefore, experience must be accompanied by integrity, competence, vision, accountability, and measurable performance.
Some people may possess natural leadership qualities, but effective leadership also develops through learning, responsibility, discipline, and practical experience. What matters most is whether a leader can translate those qualities into results that improve people's lives.
The Future of Taraba State
As Taraba State approaches another governorship election, we must reflect honestly on the direction in which our state is moving.
Taraba is blessed with enormous natural resources, fertile agricultural land, cultural diversity, tourism potential, and hardworking people. Yet many residents continue to face economic hardship, limited employment opportunities, inadequate industrial development, and an economy that depends heavily on government salaries and public expenditure.
This raises a fundamental question: Why has a state with so much potential struggled to convert its natural and human resources into widespread prosperity?
We need to look beyond political slogans and campaign promises. We need to ask what candidates have accomplished, what they understand about our challenges, and what practical plans they have to address them.
Can they attract investment? Can they support farmers and agricultural businesses? Can they create an environment where small businesses grow, industries emerge, young people find opportunities, and public institutions function effectively?
These are the questions that should shape our political conversations.
Our state needs leaders who understand that governance is not simply about occupying an office. It is about creating opportunities, managing public resources responsibly, strengthening institutions, and improving the quality of life of citizens.
For too long, many residents have felt that Taraba is not living up to its potential. We cannot afford to continue treating our challenges as normal when we have the resources and human capacity to build a better future.
Let Our Votes Reflect Our Expectations
As citizens, we must recognise that the future of our state is partly shaped by the decisions we make at the ballot box.
We should not vote solely because of party loyalty, ethnic considerations, religious affiliations, political propaganda, or emotional appeals. Neither should we support a candidate simply because of long years in politics.
Instead, we should examine each candidate's record, character, competence, policy proposals, understanding of our problems, and ability to deliver measurable results.
We must ask ourselves whether a candidate has a realistic plan for economic diversification, agricultural development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and job creation.
We must also be willing to hold elected officials accountable after the elections. Democracy should not end when citizens cast their ballots; it should continue through public participation, responsible criticism, transparency, and demands for results.
Taraba State deserves leadership that recognises its potential and possesses the determination to turn that potential into progress.
The next chapter of our state's history should not be written through promises alone. It should be written through competent leadership, responsible governance, economic opportunities, and visible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
The question is no longer simply who wants to govern Taraba State. The question is who has the competence, character, vision, and practical plan to move Taraba forward.
Our future depends on the choices we make today.
Thank you.
A concern Taraba Citizen Write from the state capita.