"To rate Gana on account of stewardship, This is a provost that anchored the successful indexing of all backlogs of student Nurses and Midwives who overstayed in the school apart from other transformations that upturned the academic value of the institution for effective service delivery"  

The Taraba Concerned Youths Group (TCYG) has condemned the ongoing campaign against the Provost of Taraba College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo, Mrs. Esther Gana, describing it as mischievous and baseless.  

In a statement signed by its representatives, Emmanuel Tikari and Godwin Zamani, the group declared that the criticisms of Mrs. Gana’s tenure were maliciously sponsored attempts to tarnish her reputation despite her valid stay in office, which was approved by the state government.  

“For avoidance of doubt, let it be categorically noted that the state government has re-engaged Mrs. Esther Gana through a contract to continue serving in her capacity pending the appointment of a substantive provost,” the group stated.  

The Taraba Commissioner for Information, Barr. Zainab Jalingo, confirmed the arrangement, stating: *“Mrs. Esther Danjuma Gana is on contract, please. His Excellency has approved a contractual agreement for her to continue.”* She further clarified that Mrs. Gana’s initial appointment was made by the previous administration and reiterated the governor’s authority to extend her tenure.  

Barr. Jalingo also emphasized that under Mrs. Gana’s leadership, the college had experienced significant progress, adding: *“Those sponsoring media campaigns against her continued stay in office should also consider her performance. The college has witnessed significant progress under her leadership, and the governor may want her to consolidate on these gains.”*  

The TCYG expressed disappointment over the allegations, questioning why Mrs. Gana’s issue was being exaggerated. They argued that her extension of service is in line with civil service rules, and similar decisions have been made by governors and presidents across the country.  

“To rate Gana on account of stewardship, this is a provost that anchored the successful indexing of all backlogs of student nurses and midwives who overstayed in the school apart from other transformations that upturned the academic value of the institution for effective service delivery,” the group said.  

The statement also condemned the actions of those behind the campaign, describing them as “mischievous elements” who had ignored the visible upgrades Mrs. Gana brought to the college. According to the group, the institution had been upgraded from a school to a college under her leadership, with notable developments in its administrative and infrastructural capacities.  

“We hereby wish to call on the attention of the general public to be mindful of the recently sponsored media campaign of calumny against the personality of Gana, who has contributed significantly to the development of the state,” the statement added.  

The TCYG challenged critics to provide legal evidence proving that the governor’s decision to re-engage Mrs. Gana violated any civil service laws. They accused certain civil society organizations (CSOs) of acting out of mischief, hate, and envy, suggesting that some of these groups had become tools for desperate politicians and civil servants.  

The group reiterated that Mrs. Gana is a law-abiding citizen and called on the public to disregard the negative campaign, which they claimed was aimed at undermining the transformation agenda of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.