Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has denied granting the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) access to the Jatutu Memorial Cathedral Magami in Jalingo, the state capital to conducted their reconciliation service come February 22nd 2026.
Governor Kefas also revealed that he has embraced the recent reconciliation process carried out between the two troubled factions of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) under the guidance of former Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame.
However, he noted that the dispute over Jatutu Cathedral remains unresolved between members of the UMCN and the Global Methodist Church (GMC)
According to him, the matter is currently before the court, and as such, he cannot intervene without legal clearance.
Governor Kefas, who spoke to NATIONAL ACCORD correspondent through the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Bar. Gibon Kataps, said the government is very pleased with the reconciliation between the two worrying parties of the great Church (UMCN) whose controversy was a serious concern in the state some years ago.
He said the governor is prepared to attend the reconciliation service that is expected to be organized by members of the UMCN on the 22/2/2026 in any part of the state.
Te SGS therefore warned that worshipers of God should stear clear of any act that could cause disharmony among the people of the state, stating that “God is the one to fight for humans not humans in the world that are capable of fighting for God.
Kataps said Governor Kefas having been a father is ready to listen to all parties involved in disputes in other to bring peace among people of the state.
He further disclosed that the governor granted the reopening of all worship centers of the UMCN for peaceful conduct of services and he (Governor) is ready to allow the GMC to also reopen their worship centers as soon as they come to compromise.
“The governor had engaged the leaders of the UMCN, they have reconciled their differences and their reconciliatory documents were presented before him, it was under the instance of our elder state man, the former governor of our state, who is more like a father not only in the church but in the state as a whole, the governor accepted and asked them to reopen their churches which they scheduled 22/2/2026.
“The Governor is ready to attend the reconciliation service, we are not unaware that the Jatutu Memorial Center issue is still in court between the UMCN and the GMC, government would not do anything that will be of dispute between the two worrying parties, moreover, the Governor can not step into a matter that is yet to be resolved in a court of law. Kataps stated.
Our correspondent gathered that tension brewed between the two churches who have been at daggers drawn with each other, when the Bishop of UMCN, Rev. Ande Emmanuel wrote on his social media handle that “TO GOD BE THE GLORY (BREAKING NEWS).
“The Executive Governor of Taraba State has given his approval for the resumption of worship services in United Methodist Churches, effective February 22nd, 2026. A special thanksgiving service, emphasizing unity and peace, will be held on February 22nd, 2026, at the Jatutu Memorial Cathedral, Magami Jalingo, in which His Excellency, Dr. Kefas Agbu, will participate. Members are requested to include the Governor in their prayers.
Members of GMC led by the Bishop Rev. John Pena while speaking with our correspondent at GMC Cathedral, located at Mile 6 along Jalingo-Yola Road, countered the move to hold the February 22nd 2026 reconciliation service at the Jatutu Center, claiming that the property belong to GMC and should not be used by the UMCN.
