Lawmakers in Taraba State are making serious moves to declare Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali unfit to continue in office due to his prolonged illness, which has kept him away from public duties since November 2024.
Alkali, who reportedly received medical treatment in Abuja and later Saudi Arabia, returned to Jalingo but is said to have made little progress in recovery.
His extended absence has drawn concerns among government officials and lawmakers, with many saying the lack of an active deputy governor is affecting the smooth running of the state.
In response, Governor Agbu Kefas reportedly sent a formal message to the State House of Assembly, asking that Alkali be declared incapacitated based on a medical report submitted by a team of doctors.
The matter is expected to be discussed during the next House sitting.
Although the state government has denied any plans to replace Alkali, internal sources say discussions are already ongoing on who may step in.
The deputy speaker of the House, Hamman Adama Abdulahi, who represents the Bali 1 constituency, is being seriously considered for the role.
Some lawmakers have also visited the governor to show support for the potential change, assuring him of the assembly’s backing.
Alkali’s office has not issued any official statement, but a staff member confirmed awareness of the talks surrounding his possible removal.
Taraba Govt Reacts
The Taraba State government has denied the reports.
The clarification was made during a press briefing in Jalingo, where the state commissioner for information, Zainab Jalingo, stated that the current deputy governor, Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, remains in office and was duly elected alongside Governor Agbu Kefas.
She said there is no plan to change him and that the position is not vacant.
The government pointed out that the procedure for removing or replacing a deputy governor is clearly stated in the Nigerian Constitution and must follow proper legislative steps.
According to the state, no such process has started or is being considered at the moment.
