National

Nigerian Governor Under Pressure Over Missing Deputy

By Benjamin Abioye

Published

1 month ago

February 18, 2025

Benjamin Abioye

There are growing concerns about the health and whereabouts of Aminu Alkali, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State.

Since November 2024, Alkali has been absent from his duties due to health issues, but the state government has not provided any official updates about Aminu Akilu’s condition or location, causing uncertainty among residents.

Nigerian news reports indicate that Aminu Alkali was first admitted to the National Hospital in Abuja for an undisclosed illness. Unverified claims suggest that his condition worsened, possibly leading to his transfer to Egypt for more specialized treatment. The state government’s silence on the matter has heightened anxiety, particularly among political figures and citizens left without clear information.

This situation has drawn comparisons to the case of the late former Governor Danbaba Suntai. In October 2012, Suntai was involved in a plane crash while piloting a Cessna 208, which left him incapacitated. Despite his condition, the state House of Assembly refused to allow his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, to take over. This led to a small group taking control of governance until Suntai’s passing, and Umar never assumed the role of substantive governor.

As a result of Aminu Alkali’s extended absence, many citizens are calling on Governor Agbu Kefas to clarify the situation and provide an update on the deputy governor’s health and whereabouts. There have also been reports that some politicians are positioning themselves for Alkali’s seat, given his prolonged absence from public duties.

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Human rights lawyer, Barr. Bilyaminu Maihanchi, wrote an open letter to Governor Kefas and the Taraba State House of Assembly. In the letter, he urged the governor to provide a clear explanation for the deputy governor’s absence and take immediate action to resolve the issue. “The people of Taraba State deserve to know the truth about their leaders and to have confidence in the governance of their state,” he said. Maihanchi also called on the House of Assembly to ensure that the state’s governance is not compromised, urging them to investigate Alkali’s absence and take appropriate action.