By Amos Zakari, Jalingo,
Anxiety is growing in Taraba State over the prolonged absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali, who has not been seen publicly since November 2024 due to health issues. The state government’s silence on his whereabouts and condition has fueled speculation and sparked a scramble among politicians eager to fill the potential power vacuum.
Sources reveal that Alkali was initially admitted to the National Hospital in Abuja for an undisclosed illness. Unconfirmed reports suggest his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to Egypt for specialized medical care. However, the lack of official information from the government has heightened public concern and distrust.
This situation echoes a previous crisis in Taraba State when former Governor Danbaba Suntai was incapacitated after a plane crash in 2012. Despite Suntai’s inability to govern, the state House of Assembly resisted calls for a power transition to his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar. A “cabal” effectively seized control until Suntai’s death, preventing Umar from assuming the governorship as mandated by the constitution.
With Alkali’s extended absence, history appears to be repeating itself. Politicians are reportedly already lobbying for his position, raising fears that the state may be plunged into another political power struggle.
Citizens and civil society groups are demanding transparency and accountability from Governor Agbu Kefas. They insist the governor must provide clear and accurate information about the deputy governor’s health and location. A public affairs analyst in the state, Bala Baba, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law. “Taraba State House of Assembly must take steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Deputy Governor’s absence and to take appropriate action to address the situation,” he said.
Attempts to reach Speaker of the House John Kizito Bonzina for comment were unsuccessful as he was reportedly abroad. Governor Kefas’ Senior Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, initially promised to make inquiries but did not respond to further calls and messages. The ongoing silence from the government is only deepening the uncertainty and fueling concerns about the political stability of Taraba State.
