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

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Aaron Artimas, said the governor’s remarks failed to address the constitutional implications of the deputy governor’s continued absence from office since last year.

The party noted that it had earlier raised concerns when Alkali’s absence exceeded the three months allowed by the constitution, warning that the situation amounted 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 APC 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.

The party further proposed that, in such a scenario, Alkali’s family or immediate community should be allowed to nominate a replacement to ensure fair representation.

“The constitution did not envisage a situation whereby the deputy governor would stay away from office indefinitely,”
the statement read, stressing that the matter was not personal to the governor but one of public accountability.