Taraba Gov Takes Spiritual Action Over Prolonged Illness of Deputy: "It's Not a Political Matter"
- Governor Agbu Kefas urged Taraba residents to pray for ailing Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali, framing the matter as a humanitarian, not political, issue
- Kefas, citing both the Bible and Qur’an, called for unity, compassion, and support for Alkali, while stressing he would follow constitutional provisions if necessary
- Human rights lawyer Bilyaminu Maihanci warned that prolonged inaction risked creating a governance gap, urging action in line with constitutional requirements
Taraba state - Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba state has taken what he calls a “spiritual action” over the prolonged illness of his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, telling residents in a statewide broadcast that “this is not a political matter but a human one.”
Specifically, he urged citizens to “lift him in prayers” for a speedy recovery.
Source: Twitter
Speaking on the matter for the first time on Monday, August 11, Kefas acknowledged concerns over the state being 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.
Taraba gov appeals for unity and compassion
Drawing from his military background, the governor invoked the spirit of esprit de corps, standing together in service without regard to religion, ethnicity, or background.
He revealed that Alkali 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 stressing that the constitution outlines the proper legal process, Kefas 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,” he stated.
He added:
“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.”
Lawyer warns against governance gap
Source: Twitter
Reacting to the governor’s broadcast, Jalingo-based human rights lawyer Barrister Bilyaminu Maihanci said that while compassion was essential, 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 cautioned that leaving the state without a functioning deputy while taking no formal action could set a dangerous precedent and 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.
Guest collapses, dies at Niger govt house
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a male visitor reportedly died after collapsing in a lodge within the government house premises in Minna, according to the Niger state Police Command.
According to Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger state police command, the deceased individual was named Gregory.
He had visited Sammy Adigun, chairman of the Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, when the incident happened.
Source: Legit.ng
