Deputy Gov of Taraba’s whereabouts unknown raises concern
There is growing concern over the health and whereabouts of Taraba State’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, who has been absent from his duties since November 2024 due to health reasons.
Despite his prolonged absence, the state government has remained tight-lipped about the situation.
Reports suggest that Alkali was admitted to the National Hospital in Abuja for an undisclosed illness, and there are unverified claims that he may have been transferred to Egypt for more intensive treatment as his condition worsened.
The lack of official communication has fueled anxiety among the public and political figures, with many questioning the deputy governor’s health and location.
This situation recalls the 2012 case of the late Governor Danbaba Suntai, who suffered a plane crash while piloting a Cessna 208 near Yola airport.
Despite Suntai’s incapacitation, the state House of Assembly refused to support a transition of power to his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar. As a result, a small group held control of the state’s governance until Suntai’s death, and Umar never assumed the role of substantive governor as required by the constitution.
In light of the current situation, citizens are urging Governor Agbu Kefas to clarify the health status and whereabouts of Deputy Governor Alkali, who has been absent from public duties for over 90 days.
Reports also indicate that some politicians are positioning themselves for Alkali’s seat, given his extended absence.
Human rights lawyer Barr. Bilyaminu Maihanchi, based in Jalingo, has sent an open letter to both the governor and the Taraba State House of Assembly. He called for the invocation of Section 189 of the Nigerian constitution (as amended) to address the issues arising from the deputy governor’s prolonged absence.
He urged the governor to provide clarity and take swift action to resolve the situation, saying that the people of Taraba deserve transparency and confidence in their leadership.
Maihanchi also called on the state House of Assembly to investigate the circumstances surrounding Alkali’s absence and take the necessary steps to ensure governance is not compromised.
According to Daily Trust, Speaker of the House, John Kizito Bonzina, was unavailable for comment, as he is reportedly out of the country.
When contacted for an update, Senior Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas, Emmanuel Bello, stated that he would look into the matter. However, follow-up attempts by journalists via calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages had not yielded any response by the time of this report.
