By Our Reporter, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has signed three executive orders to tackle drug abuse and mental health challenges, curb electoral violence, and regulate mining activities in the state.

The orders, signed on Monday, took immediate effect, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Mrs. Zainab Jalingo.

The government said the measures are aimed at protecting lives, strengthening public safety, safeguarding democracy, and ensuring responsible management of the state’s mineral resources.

The first order establishes a coordinated framework for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse.

Governor Kefas said drug abuse would be treated as a public health and social challenge, not just a law enforcement issue. The approach will combine prevention, education, early identification, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement and reintegration.

“The order is not to stigmatise or criminalise persons battling addiction or mental health conditions,” Kefas said. “It is to ensure they receive professional support while we intensify action against those involved in the production, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs.”

The framework mandates collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, schools, healthcare providers, traditional rulers, religious organisations and communities, with special focus on protecting children and youths.

The second order seeks to guarantee a peaceful, free and secure environment ahead of future elections.

It prohibits the recruitment, financing or deployment of youths for political violence. Also banned are firearms, machetes, knives and other dangerous weapons at rallies, campaigns and party meetings.

The order outlaws political thuggery, voter intimidation, hate speech, attacks on opponents, destruction of campaign materials, and the operation of unauthorised security groups. It applies to both ruling and opposition parties.

Security agencies have been directed to strengthen intelligence gathering, identify flashpoints, prevent movement of weapons and armed groups, and investigate organisers and financiers of political violence.

“Every candidate is free to campaign peacefully in Taraba State, but no candidate or political actor will be permitted to place dangerous weapons in the hands of our young people or endanger the lives of our citizens,” the governor warned.

The third order targets illegal, unsafe and unregulated mining while promoting responsible exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.

It provides for documentation and profiling of mining operators, workers, dealers, processing facilities and sites. It also strengthens collaboration with federal authorities, host communities and security agencies.

Kefas said government will intensify crackdown on illegal mining, mineral smuggling, child labour, environmental degradation, unauthorised excavation, unlawful occupation of community land, and use of mining sites for criminal activities.

He, however, assured legitimate investors that the policy seeks to create a transparent, secure and predictable environment, not to discourage genuine investment.

The governor directed all MDAs and local government councils to commence immediate implementation and develop clear plans with assigned responsibilities, timelines, resources and accountability mechanisms.

The Secretary to the State Government will coordinate implementation, while the Office of the State Adviser on Security will oversee security aspects. The Attorney-General will provide legal guidance to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.

Kefas urged residents to reject drug abuse, political thuggery and hate speech, and to report drug trafficking and illegal mining through lawful channels.

He said the executive orders are “preventive, corrective and developmental” measures to protect lives, preserve peace, and ensure Taraba’s natural resources benefit present and future generations.