For nearly a year, Taraba State has been without an active deputy governor, as Alhaji Aminu Alkali remains sidelined by health issues. Alkali, who suffered a stroke in November 2024, has not appeared in public for over eight months, prompting intense debate over his continued tenure and the state’s governance stability.
Initially admitted to the National Hospital in Abuja, Alkali was later flown to Egypt for advanced treatment as his condition deteriorated. Despite reports of his return to Jalingo in May 2025, he remains bedridden, with restricted access and no public appearances, fueling speculation about his capacity to serve.
Governor Agbu Kefas has managed the state without an active deputy, whose constitutional role includes acting as governor during absences or incapacity. To address the gap, Kefas appointed Mr. Emmanuel Lawson, a deputy chief of staff, to oversee the deputy governor’s office in July 2025, a move critics argue lacks constitutional backing and cannot substitute for an elected official’s role.
The appointment, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Gebon T. Kataps, was intended “to ensure effectiveness of governance,” but it has sparked controversy, with groups like the Mumuye Cultural Development Association questioning its legality.
Emmanuel Bello, the governor’s spokesman, downplayed concerns, insisting, “...ing of Mr. Lawson was an administrative matter.
The deputy governor is recuperating, and there is no constitutional crisis.” Bello denied claims of Alkali’s incapacitation, stating, “His condition hasn’t reached a stage where removal is warranted.”
However, Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) outlines a process for removing a deputy governor deemed permanently incapacitated, requiring a two-thirds majority vote by the state executive council and verification by a medical panel. Despite calls from legal experts like Barr. Bilyaminu Maihanchi to invoke this provision, the state executive council has remained silent.
The Taraba State House of Assembly is reportedly considering declaring Alkali’s seat vacant, with some lawmakers rallying behind Deputy Speaker Alhaji Hamman Adama as a potential replacement. This echoes past controversies, such as the 2012 plane crash that incapacitated former Governor Danbaba Suntai, which led to prolonged political turmoil due to opacity and inaction.
In March 2025, Commissioner for Health Bordiya Buma reported progress in Alkali’s recovery, noting the stroke affected his mobility and speech but that treatment was ongoing. Yet, four months later, the lack of transparency continues to stoke public anxiety and political maneuvering, with some alleging the governor is under pressure to replace Alkali.
The situation raises broader questions about accountability and governance in Taraba, with observers warning that the prolonged absence risks undermining public trust. As calls for constitutional action grow, the state’s leadership faces a critical test in balancing sympathy for Alkali’s health with the demands of effective governance.