Taraba APC Raises Alarm Over Deputy Governor’s Prolonged Absence
By Worldview Magazine.
The Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern over the Taraba State government’s silence on the whereabouts and condition of Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali.
This is according to a statement signed by the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Hon. Aaron Artimas and made available to news men in Jalingo.
Reports indicate that Alkali has been receiving treatment abroad for an undisclosed ailment, but the government has failed to provide any official clarification.
The statement noted that for nearly 100 days, the Deputy Governor has been absent from public view, sparking worries among the people of Taraba.
Part of the statement reads
“For nearly 100 days, the Deputy Governor has neither been seen nor heard from, while the state government maintains a troubling silence.
“While illness is a human reality, it is not in the public interest to withhold such critical information. Transparency in governance, as required by the Nigerian Constitution, must be upheld.
“This issue is further compounded by the frequent travels of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, which has left a leadership vacuum in the state. Had the Deputy Governor been available to step in, this concern might not have arisen”
The statement also noted that the APC is aware of attempts by certain elements to politicize this situation while secretly advocating for the Deputy Governor’s replacement. However, the party’s primary concern remains the government’s constitutional obligation under Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to provide transparency in governance.
While the APC acknowledges Alkali’s personal health challenges, the party emphasized that the people have a constitutional right to be informed about the condition of their elected leader.
To address the uncertainty, the APC called on the government and the State House of Assembly to issue an official statement clarifying the Deputy Governor’s health status.
“The government and the State House of Assembly must either; issue an official statement clarifying the Deputy Governor’s health status or invoke the constitutional provision in Section 189 by constituting a medical board to assess his ability to continue in office” the statement noted
