Stakeholders, residents task state govt on openness
The political landscape in Taraba appears to be reliving the events of 2012 when a plane crash left the then-governor, Danbaba Suntai, incapacitated. A similar scenario, at the time of filing of this report, is unfolding with the mysterious absence of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, whose health condition has raised widespread concerns.

For the past three months, his whereabouts have remained unknown, a situation which The Guardian, observed to have become a source of concern to the citizens of the state.

Reports suggest he has been receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital outside the state. However, the government has maintained sealed lips, refusing to provide any official statement regarding his condition.

The unusual silence has further fuelled speculation, with recent unverified reports even claiming that he may have passed away. The uncertainty has left many Taraba residents anxious, as they recall the political turmoil that trailed the late Governor Suntai’s incapacitation over a decade ago.

The handling of the matter by the state government has only heightened anxiety, as observers note that keeping citizens in the dark about the health of a key government official could lead to political instability and governance dysfunction.

Contacted for comments, the Chairman, the House of Assembly Committee on Information, Nelson Len, confirmed that the deputy governor was sick, and currently undergoing medical attention, stating: “Sickness is normal for everyone.”

But in a swift reaction, a constitutional lawyer, Pius D. Pius, said it is high time the lawmakers considered his replacement. Citing relevant constitutional provisions, he noted that either the governor or the deputy governor must be present in the state at all times to ensure governance continuity.

However, with both top officials away, questions have emerged about the legality and implications of this unusual scenario. Pius highlighted that if a deputy governor remains absent for more than 21 days, he must provide a valid explanation to the public.

He submitted: “If the absence is due to ill health, the State Executive Council is required to assess his capacity to continue in office. If concerns persist, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly is mandated to constitute a medical panel to evaluate the deputy governor’s fitness for office.”

Observers are questioning why no official statements have been made regarding the prolonged absence of the deputy governor, and the frequent overseas trips of the governor.

As pressure mounts, political stakeholders, especially from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are urging the government to clarify the situation, and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions to prevent a governance vacuum.

Besides, residents are seeking clarification on the deputy governor’s condition, urging the state government to provide concrete information and prevent the spread of misinformation.