Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has publicly addressed his deputy’s prolonged absence from office, urging residents to pray for the recovery of Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali who has been ill for several months.
In his first public statement on the matter during a statewide broadcast on Monday, Governor Kefas emphasized that the situation should be viewed through a humanitarian rather than political lens.
“This is not a political matter but a human one,” Kefas declared, acknowledging growing public concern about the state operating without an active deputy governor for an extended period.
The governor spoke directly to residents, describing his approach as guided by “faith, morality, and conscience” rather than purely constitutional considerations. He drew from his military experience to emphasize the importance of solidarity, referencing the concept of esprit de corps that transcends religious, ethnic, and background differences.
Kefas revealed that his deputy fell ill while performing official duties, making a case for compassionate leadership during this challenging period.
In an appeal for unity across religious lines, the governor quoted from both Christian and Islamic scriptures. He cited Galatians 6:2, which teaches believers to “bear one another’s burdens,” and referenced Surah Al-Ma’idah from the Qur’an, which states that “whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.”
While acknowledging that constitutional provisions exist for addressing such situations, Governor Kefas argued that legal processes alone are insufficient without moral considerations.
“Now, in his moment of need, it is our turn to stand by him. Let us lift him in prayer, support his family, and show that in Taraba State, leadership is about humanity before politics,” he stated.
The governor assured residents that he harbors no hidden agenda in handling the matter and committed to taking appropriate constitutional action if necessary. However, he emphasized that the current priority should be providing care and support.
“I have no hidden agenda in the way we are handling this matter. If the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, I will not hesitate to do so in the right way. For now, our duty is clear: to care, to support, and to let compassion lead us,” Kefas concluded.
The deputy governor’s extended absence has raised questions about the state’s administrative capacity, but Governor Kefas’s appeal reflects his preference for addressing the situation with empathy while maintaining constitutional awareness.
