For nearly a year, Taraba State has operated without an active deputy governor due to the prolonged illness of Alhaji Aminu Alkali. His absence, which has lasted over eight months, has sparked growing concerns, legal debates, and political manoeuvrings across the state.
Alhaji Aminu was first admitted to the National Hospital in Abuja in late 2024 before being flown to Egypt for advanced treatment after suffering a stroke. Since then, he has not made any public appearance, prompting speculation about his fitness to continue in office.
Despite his absence, no constitutional steps have been taken by the state government to declare the office vacant. Instead, Governor Agbu Kefas assigned Mr Emmanuel Lawson, a deputy chief of staff, to oversee the office of the deputy governor in an administrative capacity. This move has drawn criticism, with observers arguing that Lawson, an unelected official, has no constitutional mandate to function in the role.
In a letter dated July 1, 2025, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Gebon T. Kataps, stated the posting was to “ensure effectiveness of governance,” not to replace the deputy governor. Government officials have insisted that Alhaji Aminu is still recovering, with Governor Kefas’ spokesperson Emmanuel Bello maintaining there is no constitutional crisis.
Legal Debate and Section 189
Under Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a governor or deputy governor can be removed from office if two-thirds of the state executive council declares them incapable of performing their duties, and this is confirmed by a medical panel. However, this process has not been initiated in Taraba State.
Some legal experts, including human rights lawyer Barr. Malachy Ugwumadu, have called on the state government to act in the interest of transparency and governance. He argued that continued silence could compromise the effective administration of the state.
Others, like Senior Advocate of Nigeria Richard Ahonaruogho, disagreed, saying there’s no urgency since the governor is still able to perform his duties and has not complained of being hindered by his deputy’s absence.
Behind-the-Scenes Political Calculations
Insiders suggest that the reluctance to declare the deputy governor incapacitated stems from political considerations. There is speculation that the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Hamman Adama, could be appointed as replacement if Alhaji Aminu is removed. However, both he and the current Secretary to the State Government (SSG) hail from the same Central Zone, potentially disrupting the delicate zoning arrangement in the state.
This political balancing act has reportedly led to hesitation in initiating constitutional action, even as pressure mounts from stakeholders and the public.
Uncertainty Surrounding Health Status
In March 2025, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, revealed that the deputy governor was recovering from a stroke. However, there has been no official update since. Multiple sources indicate that the deputy governor is still receiving treatment, possibly in Abuja, though his exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Some staff members from his office say they have been denied access to him for months.
Echoes of the Past
Observers have drawn parallels with the political crisis that followed the 2012 plane crash of then-Governor Danbaba Suntai. His incapacitation led to months of political uncertainty and power struggles before his deputy was finally recognised as acting governor. The current situation is seen by many as a repeat of that constitutional limbo, though on a smaller scale.
Assembly and Government Deny Replacement Plans
The Taraba State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Information chairman Nelson Len, insists that the deputy governor is recuperating and not being considered for removal. The Commissioner for Information, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo, also dismissed speculation as “mischief” and urged the public to ignore rumours.
However, reports suggest that efforts to initiate constitutional proceedings may have been briefly considered but were shelved after news of the move leaked online, creating political tension.
Calls for Accountability
Opposition figures, including former APC chairman in the state, Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo, have demanded greater transparency from the state government. “The people of Taraba deserve to know the condition of their deputy governor. It’s a constitutional matter,” he said.
For now, Taraba State continues to function with a deputy governor who is officially still in office but absent in duty, while political actors navigate the sensitive terrain of health, law, and power sharing.
