Taraba State residents are becoming increasingly worried as Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Alkari has been absent from his official duties for an astonishing ninety days.
Since November 11, 2024, Alkari has not been seen in public, and there has been no information regarding his whereabouts or health, causing growing concern in the state.
This unexplained absence is reminiscent of a similar situation in the state’s past, when former Governor Danbaba Suntai was involved in a life-changing accident on October 25, 2012, while piloting a Cessna 208 aircraft near Yola airport.
Suntai’s prolonged absence from public life following the accident had shaken the state’s political landscape.
Reports have now surfaced suggesting that Alkari suffered a severe stroke over two months ago and has been receiving medical treatment at an Abuja hospital.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the state government regarding the deputy governor’s condition or recovery.
The people of Taraba are calling on Governor Agbu Kefas to provide clarity on Alkari’s prolonged absence and address the concerns surrounding the situation. Citizens are urging the governor to act transparently and inform the public about the deputy governor’s health and status in office.
Furthermore, calls have been made to the Taraba State House of Assembly to fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that governance is not disrupted by Alkari’s continued absence. Critics argue that the deputy governor’s absence for such an extended period violates the constitutional norms governing the administration of the state.
In an open letter to Governor Agbu Kefas and the Taraba State House of Assembly, human rights lawyer Barr. Bilyaminu Maihanchi has urged the lawmakers to invoke Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to address the ongoing issues surrounding the deputy governor’s prolonged absence.
“I call on the Taraba State Governor to provide a clear explanation for the Deputy Governor’s absence and to take immediate action to address the situation. The people of Taraba State deserve to know the truth about their leaders and to have confidence in the governance of their state.
“I also call on the House of Assembly to take their constitutional responsibilities seriously and to ensure that the governance of the state is not compromised. The Assembly must take steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Deputy Governor’s absence and to take appropriate action to address the situation.
“Furthermore, I urge the people of Taraba State to remain vigilant and to demand accountability from their leaders. The rights of the people must be protected, and the governance of the state must be transparent and accountable,” Maihanchi stated.
