Concerns Grow Over Taraba Deputy Governor’s Whereabouts After Three-Month Absence

• Taraba Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali has been absent for three months due to health challenges, with the government remaining silent on his whereabouts

• Citizens are urging Governor Kefas to clarify Alkali’s condition, while some call for the House of Assembly to address his prolonged absence

There is increasing concern in Taraba State over the prolonged absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali, who has not been publicly seen for over three months due to health challenges.

Reports indicate that Alkali has been away from the state since November 2024, initially receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Abuja. However, unconfirmed sources suggest that his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to Egypt for intensive medical care.

Despite this, the state government has remained silent, fueling speculation and anxiety among citizens and political stakeholders.

The lack of official communication regarding Alkali’s health and whereabouts has drawn comparisons to the case of former Taraba Governor Danbaba Suntai, who suffered a plane crash in 2012. Despite being incapacitated, Suntai remained in office as a cabal took control of the state’s affairs, preventing his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, from assuming full leadership until Suntai’s eventual passing.

Amid growing uncertainty, concerned citizens call on Governor Agbu Kefas to clarify the situation and provide updates on his deputy’s condition. Due to his prolonged absence, many politicians reportedly lobby for Alkali’s position, intensifying political manoeuvring within the state.

Barrister Bilyaminu Maihanchi, a Jalingo-based human rights lawyer, has urged the Taraba State House of Assembly to invoke Section 189 of the Nigerian Constitution to address the issue. In an open letter, he emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating:

“I urge the Taraba State Governor to explain the Deputy Governor’s absence and take immediate action. The people of Taraba deserve to know the truth about their leaders and have confidence in the governance of their state.”

Maihanchi also called on the House of Assembly to take its constitutional responsibilities seriously and ensure that the state’s leadership remains functional.

“The Taraba State House of Assembly must investigate the circumstances surrounding the Deputy Governor’s absence and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation,” he added.

Attempts to respond from Speaker John Kizito Bonzina have been unsuccessful, as he is reportedly out of the country. Similarly, Governor Kefas’ Senior Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, declined to comment, stating that he would make inquiries before responding. However, further calls, text messages, and WhatsApp inquiries to Bello went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

As concerns mount, citizens await official clarification on the deputy governor’s status and the implications for Taraba’s governance in the coming months.