Taraba: Opposition battles governor over deputy’s seven-month sick leave

Gov Kefas

Taraba State is boiling over the long absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Andullahi Alkali from the state.

Alkali had not been seen in the state since January.

He is believed to have taken ill and moved out of the state for treatment.

There were speculations that he is receiving treatment abroad.

The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the government of Governor Agbu Kefas to address the issue in public interest.It also criticized the House of Assembly for keeping mute over the matter.

But spokesman of the House of Assembly Nelson Len, said that there was no communication from the governor asking it to declare the ailing deputy governor incapacitated.

He said: “The rumour is false and the narrative is baseless. There is nothing of such that has happened. There is nothing of such that is happening.

“They haven’t brought such a matter before us concerning the removal or replacement of the deputy governor.

“The process of removing a deputy governor is very clear. You don’t just remove a deputy governor because of his ill health. First of all, a medical team would be set up to investigate and be sure why that action needed to be taken.”

Taraba APC Publicity Secretary Aaron Artimas, demanded government’s explanation on the whereabouts of the ailing deputy governor.

If he is incapacitated and unable to perform his functions, he should be removed, Artimas said.