Taraba APC Expresses Concern Over Deputy Governor’s Whereabouts

●Urge Assembly To Constitute Medical Board To Assess His Health

The Taraba State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged absence of the state's Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, and the lack of official communication from the state government about his condition. It has been reported that Alkali is receiving medical treatment abroad for an undisclosed health issue. However, despite the ongoing speculation, the state government has not issued any formal statement to clarify his whereabouts or his health status.

In a press statement made available to Taraba Truth and Fact Newspapers, the APC's Publicity Secretary, Hon. Aaron Artimas, emphasized the growing concern that the Deputy Governor has been out of public view for nearly 100 days, without any official word from the government. While the APC acknowledges Alkali's personal health challenges, it insists that the citizens of Taraba have a constitutional right to be informed about the well-being of their elected leaders. The statement highlighted that, "while illness is a human reality, it is not in the public interest to withhold such critical information. Transparency in governance, as required by the Nigerian Constitution, must be upheld."

The APC further pointed out that the absence of the Deputy Governor, combined with the frequent travels of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, has created a leadership vacuum in the state. This, the party argues, has raised valid concerns about the functioning of the state government. Had the Deputy Governor been available to step in during the Governor's absences, the APC believes this situation may have been mitigated.

The statement also alluded to the ongoing political maneuvering within certain circles of the state's government, with some elements reportedly advocating for the Deputy Governor's replacement. Despite these actions, the APC reiterated that the focus should remain on the constitutional obligation of the government to provide clarity on the leadership situation. According to Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the government must either issue an official statement regarding the Deputy Governor's health status or constitute a medical board to assess his ability to continue in office.

The APC has called on the Taraba State House of Assembly to urgently convene and address this matter. In light of the uncertainty surrounding the Deputy Governor's health, the party believes that the formation of a medical board would provide an official and transparent assessment, thus putting an end to the current speculation.

With the people of Taraba State eagerly awaiting clarity, the APC is urging the government to take immediate steps in the interest of transparency and constitutional governance.