The Taraba State Government has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Lawson to oversee the duties of the ailing Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali.
Lawson is the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Government House,
Aminu Alkali has been absent from office since November 2024 due to health issues.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on July 1, 2025, by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Gibon Kataps.
According to the statement, Lawson was deployed to the deputy governor’s office to ensure smooth coordination of affairs and continuation of governance.
However, the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA), representing the kinsmen of the deputy governor, has rejected the move.
They argued that the appointment appears to sideline Alkali without following constitutional procedures.
The group also raised concerns that Lawson’s new role includes key responsibilities that belong to the deputy governor, questioning whether such a position is supported by the Nigerian Constitution.
MCDA said the permanent secretary in the deputy governor’s office should have been asked to step in temporarily instead.
They also reminded the government that the joint ticket of Governor Agbu Kefas and Alkali was part of a political agreement with the Mumuye people during the 2023 elections, and they expect that deal to be respected.
The association called on the state government to clarify the role of Lawson and ensure that proper legal and moral steps are taken in handling the situation.
