Emmanuel Bello


Taraba state government and people are right now agog with news of the advent of an ultimate August Visitor, the redoubtable Acting President, Professor Yomi Osinbajo. And this is understandably so because, you see, Taraba people are superbly hospitable by nature and excited by the presence of a stranger. Especially when the "bako" is none other than the gentle, delightful and rock star personality of an Acting VP. This celebrity politician is simply irresistibly refreshing no matter which side you are on. His wits, gentle demeanour, swag and all that mildly reminds you of Barack Obama. His simplicity and  demystification of power is redefining Third World "bigmanism" syndrome. Yes, we are palpably excited to have Mr. Nice Guy here. Oh, we also love the lowly ones too o! who quietly slip into our great state we call "Nature's gift to the Nation". This love for visitors is almost biblical in proportion. Let me add that we, Taraba people, are wired this way from the cradle. We all grew up with various influences that's shaped our world view as a people: I, for instance, grew up with Cameroonians, Tivs, Alogos, Beroms, Wurkums, Christians and Muslims in my native Wukari. In Taraba, almost every home has a Muslim or Christian in some near or far distant family relationship. Therefore, religious disharmony is alien here. We have Igbo, Yoruba and other non northern tribes who have been here for decades. We have had Igbo in the state executive as advisers. So we are not part of any quit notices to anyone. We have been ruled by people of different persuasions and religions since our creation. So a high profile visit like that of the Act President is right up our alley.


We are indeed thrilled by this visit for many reasons. It is coming after our dear state got into the news for all the wrong reasons. As a peaceful people, who could actually package and export peace were it a tangible item, we were saddened that we got called all sorts of names. Overnight, we were cast as blood thirsty cannibals with xenophobic tastes. While it was really sad, the crisis also brought to us lots of sympathy as many Nigerians sided with us in the bitter war of negative propaganda waged against us. So you see, this visit for us is thus the culmination of that good will blowing from all corners of the globe to us.


The visit is also coming in the period of mourning when we are nursing the pain pangs of the loss of one of our illustrious leaders, former Governor Danbaba Suntai. And although the Acting President is coming to commission projects by our amiable governor and hero, Arc. Darius Ishaku, the symbolic gesture is not lost on us. There is a scripture that says He (God) would give us beauty for ashes. So even in this moment of grief, something sweet can happen to Taraba. It is also a testimony to the tenacity of Governor Ishaku who, against all odds, has pulled out clear cut developmental projects worthy of a presidential attention.


But the visitor should not forget  to savour the beauty and magic of the Mambilla on this trip. Sir, the place is simply breath taking. As the highest point in Nigeria, Your Excellency, you would literally be standing on top of the nation up there. It is the roof top of Africa, the Europe of the continent and the Paradise Lost (but found) of John Milton. It is the stuff of poetry and the land of fairy tales. And with the recent Midas touch of your host, Governor Ishaku, the historical but hitherto comatose tea sector jerk back to life. Go up there sir, and drink the Highland Tea - one of the best in the continent. Go up there sir and taste of the warm milk not just from the cows but from the people who have kindness coursing through their body like a river of milk. It is also like the Promised Land because of its honey.


Mambilla is undoubtedly the soul of tourism in Africa. If His Excellency, the Act Prez, discovers it, then he w