Taraba Government Breaks Silence on Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali’s Whereabouts

The Taraba State Government has addressed concerns regarding the whereabouts of its Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, who has been absent since November 2024.

In a statement, the state government clarified that Alkali has been away for medical reasons but is expected to return to his duties soon.

The State Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Usman, provided further details during a briefing with journalists after the Taraba Executive Council Meeting on Monday, March 10.

She revealed that the deputy governor suffered a stroke, which impacted his ability to speak.

Zainab assured the public that Alkali is currently recovering and expressed his intention to resume his responsibilities shortly.

She said, ”Sometimes around November last year, his excellency had an ailment that necessitated his movement to Abuja for treatment.

“From Abuja, he was later moved to Cairo, Egypt for further checks and the commissioner of health was delegated to check on his health status.

“Taraba residents need to sympathize with the executive council, his excellency, and the deputy governor as per his health condition.

“Ailment is something that is general and can happen to anyone. Before you approach a court of law to ascertain the health, fitness, or otherwise of any principal officer in the state, the human nature of a particular person should be taken into consideration first.”

She added: “His Excellency is a human being even before becoming the deputy governor of Taraba State. The person that went to the court is also human and can fall sick too. He is recuperating very well and we are expecting him back soon to resume his duty.”

When questioned about the possibility of impeaching the deputy governor after being away from the state for 90 days, the commissioner clarified that the law does not mandate such action.

“Let me come in as a lawyer now. From my background, this principle of 90 days applies only to a sitting governor of a state, not the deputy.

“His determination or eligibility to be in the office is all determined by the governor,” the commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Bordiya Buma, who visited the ailing deputy governor in Egypt, confirmed that he is recovering well and making positive progress.