More than two years after assuming office, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, is still operating without a single appointed aide, a situation that has sparked unease among political observers and insiders within the state government.
While the office of Governor Agbu Kefas has been fully staffed with advisers, personal assistants, and media handlers, Alkali’s office remains conspicuously bare, lacking even a Chief Press Secretary, a key role for managing communications with journalists and the public.
Sources within Government House in Jalingo told Daily Post that the deputy governor’s ability to function effectively has been “severely limited” by the absence of staff.
“I believe the deputy governor’s current health condition could have been better managed if he had the necessary aides,” one senior official said.
“It’s shocking that more than two years into his tenure, he doesn’t even have a press secretary to handle media matters.”
The source described the situation as “administratively abnormal” and urged the governor to intervene to restore order to the deputy governor’s office.
Findings revealed that Alhaji Alkali had earlier submitted a list of proposed aides and obtained approval for their appointment, but the process has reportedly been stalled by powerful figures within the administration.
According to multiple insiders, these political actors have refused to release appointment letters, effectively blocking the staffing process for reasons yet to be made public.
“This is no longer just a bureaucratic delay; it’s becoming a matter of human dignity and administrative efficiency,” another government source said.
“Governor Kefas needs to urgently step in and allow the deputy governor to officially name and work with his team. It will help reduce the pressure on him and restore functionality to his office.”
The prolonged staffing impasse has fuelled speculation of internal power struggles within the Taraba State Government, with some suggesting that the situation reflects deeper political divisions between the governor’s camp and the deputy’s supporters.
Critics have urged Governor Agbu Kefas to address the issue swiftly, arguing that the deputy governor deserves the institutional support necessary to perform his constitutional duties.
“The governor must act quickly to resolve this matter,” said a former commissioner familiar with the situation.
“The deputy governor’s office is an integral part of governance, not a ceremonial appendage.”
As of press time, there was no official response from the governor’s office regarding the allegations or the reasons for the continued delay in appointing aides to the deputy governor.
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