₦airaland Forum

By Magaji Hunkuyi

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has turned to faith in addressing the prolonged absence of his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, declaring in a statewide broadcast that “this is not a political matter but a human one” and urging residents to “lift him in prayers” for a quick recovery.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time on Monday, Kefas acknowledged growing concern over the fact that the state has been without an active deputy governor for several months.

“I understand the concerns and questions, and I want to speak to you directly—not just as your governor, but as a fellow human being guided by faith, morality, and conscience,” he said.

Drawing from his military background, the governor recalled the spirit of esprit de corps—standing together in service without regard to religion, ethnicity, or background. He urged residents to pray for Alkali, who fell ill while on official duty.

Quoting from both Christian and Islamic scripture, Kefas appealed for unity: “In the Bible, Galatians 6:2 teaches us to ‘bear one another’s burdens.’ In the Qur’an, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) reminds us that ‘whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.’”

While noting that the constitution outlines the proper legal process, he said laws alone were insufficient without morality and conscience.

“Now, in his moment of need, it is our turn to stand by him. Let us lift him in prayer, support his family, and show that in Taraba State, leadership is about humanity before politics. I have no hidden agenda in the way we are handling this matter. If the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, I will not hesitate to do so in the right way. For now, our duty is clear—to care, to support, and to let compassion lead us,” Kefas stated.


Lawyer warns against setting dangerous precedent

Reacting to the governor’s remarks, Jalingo-based human rights lawyer Barrister Bilyaminu Maihanci cautioned that while compassion was vital, governance must still operate within the law.

“This is not about replacing the deputy governor out of malice; it is about ensuring the machinery of governance functions within the law,” he said.

Maihanci warned that leaving the state without a functioning deputy and taking no formal action could undermine constitutional democracy.

“We therefore call on the governor, the State Executive Council, and the House of Assembly to act now in line with Sections 189 and 191 of the Constitution. The conscience of leaders should align with the constitution, not stand in place of it,” he added.

Maxymilliano:
Danbaba Suntai comes to mind, he was rendered incapacitated while on expedition with his private jet, yet remained in office until he passed away.

Is there any law that prevents outright resignation of a deputy governor to attend to personal matters or must he die in office ?

For all we know, Danbaba Suntai’s beautiful wife later married her younger lover, as was reported on Nairaland that year

Omihanifa:
The constitution is very clear on this matter. It is left for the governor to do what's right. If I were the governor, I will allow the rule of law to supercede everything else.

As for the deputy governor, do what is needful stop hanging on to power. If money could solve your problem, you won't be in the hospital till now.

Omihanifa:
The constitution is very clear on this matter. It is left for the governor to do what's right. If I were the governor, I will allow the rule of law to supercede everything else.

As for the deputy governor, do what is needful stop hanging on to power. If money could solve your problem, you won't be in the hospital till now.

fabolouz1:
not the governor but the state house of assembly.

DeJoeee:
Why not nominate the speaker of the HOR as acting Deputy governor until the Deputy recovers?

CorperKola:
Do you think the SP would even like that
Really

Didudududududududu

LillyandDaisy:
Only quick reminder to our politicians, no one is immortal, I pray for quick discovery

Maxymilliano:
Danbaba Suntai comes to mind, he was rendered incapacitated while on expedition with his private jet, yet remained in office until he passed away.

Is there any law that prevents outright resignation of a deputy governor to attend to personal matters or must he die in office ?

For all we know, Danbaba Suntai’s beautiful wife later married her younger lover, as was reported on Nairaland that year

Stayingalive:
The people who are languishing in poverty will likely die first

ideatoprince18:
When u have a really really dumb person running the affairs of a place, the citizens suffer.

So cos Naija no fit detect the sickness , e don turn spiritual? Imagine wetin a whole governor dey open him mouth spill. Shebi if na u Mr Governor Dem go don fly u go abroad to the best health care facility. Why not do same for your deputy? Everytime let's pray ... Let's pray ... Let's pray but when u are looting, u did not say let's pray oooo!!!!

ideatoprince18:
When u have a really really dumb person running the affairs of a place, the citizens suffer.

So cos Naija no fit detect the sickness , e don turn spiritual? Imagine wetin a whole governor dey open him mouth spill. Shebi if na u Mr Governor Dem go don fly u go abroad to the best health care facility. Why not do same for your deputy? Everytime let's pray ... Let's pray ... Let's pray but when u are looting, u did not say let's pray oooo!!!!

LillyandDaisy:
the crazy part is that no one is leaving this earth alive so why impoverished one another, why not make everything at least comfortable for all, since we know, we are all leaving one day