The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has criticised Governor Kefas Agbu’s statewide broadcast on the prolonged absence of Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, describing the speech as “mere rhetoric” that offered no concrete solution.

In a statement yesterday by State Publicity Secretary, Aaron Artimas, the opposition party said the governor’s remarks failed to address the constitutional implications of the deputy governor’s prolonged absence from office since last year.

The PDP noted that it had earlier raised concerns when Alkali’s absence exceeded the constitutional three months, warning that the situation amounts to a “brazen violation” of the law.

According to the APC, the governor’s address “moralised and personalised” the issue, even evoking religious sentiments instead of presenting a clear plan of action.

While expressing sympathy for Alkali over his health challenges, the party urged the state government to open “honest and sincere dialogue” with the deputy governor’s family.

It suggested that if he is unable to fully perform his duties, he should be allowed to resign honourably and receive all his entitlements to aid his recovery.

This comes as the governor asked residents to set politics aside and join him in praying for the quick recovery of his deputy.

“This is not a political matter; it is a human one,” Agbu said in the statewide broadcast, seeking collective intercession.

“We must lift him in prayers,” he said.