To the Stakeholders of Karim Lamido: Where Is Your Voice?

By Taraba Facts 

Questions are being raised over the state of the Jalingo–Karim Lamido road and the level of attention being given to infrastructure in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In a commentary titled “To the Stakeholders of Karim Lamido, Where Is Your Voice?”, writer Lukis Pheetami recalled that Governor Agbu Kefas, before becoming governor, visited Karim Lamido and sought the support of residents during the election campaign.

According to the writer, the governor later returned to Jen in Karim Lamido LGA in May 2024, where he reportedly reiterated his administration’s commitment to constructing the Jalingo–Karim Lamido road. The governor was also said to have expressed hope that the project would be completed before the end of his first tenure.

However, more than two years after that reported commitment, the writer argues that the road remains in poor condition, describing it as one of the worst roads in the state.

The concern has become more pronounced, according to Pheetami, against the backdrop of major infrastructure projects being undertaken in other parts of Taraba.

In January 2026, the state government flagged off infrastructure projects valued at over ₦134 billion in Southern Taraba, including the ₦37 billion Wukari–Chinkai Road project and an ₦85.9 billion package covering the Takum Junction Flyover, dual carriageway, interchange and internal roads in Wukari.

The writer also points to the reported commencement of work on the Wukari–Takum Junction Flyover on August 31, 2026, arguing that the development has further fuelled questions among residents of Karim Lamido about the distribution of government projects across the state.

Pheetami stressed that the issue is not about opposing development in Southern Taraba, noting that every part of the state deserves good roads and other critical infrastructure.

Rather, the writer questioned why a local government that contributed votes to the administration should continue to struggle with a major road that residents say remains barely passable, while significant infrastructure projects are being implemented elsewhere.

“Where Are Our Stakeholders?”

The article also takes aim at political and community stakeholders from Karim Lamido, accusing them of remaining largely silent over the condition of the road.

The writer argued that elected representatives, political leaders and other influential stakeholders have a responsibility to speak up whenever their communities face challenges that require government attention.

“You cannot claim to represent Karim Lamido and go quiet every time our people are shortchanged,” Pheetami wrote, urging stakeholders who cannot speak on behalf of the people to make room for those willing to do so.

The concerns raised have now added to the growing public conversation about infrastructure distribution and the condition of major roads connecting communities across Taraba State.

For residents of Karim Lamido, the central question remains whether the long-promised Jalingo–Karim Lamido road will eventually receive the attention they have been asking for.

As the writer puts it, “Karim Lamido gave its share of the votes. Karim Lamido deserves its share of development too.”