Taraba State Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, has returned to official duties after being away since November 2024 on medical grounds.
A video clip released by Channels Television showed Alkali seated in his office, reviewing files with aides who welcomed him back to work. The exact date of his resumption was not immediately confirmed.
During his absence, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, Emmanuel Lawson, assumed some of his responsibilities. The move sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as a replacement of the deputy governor.
Governor Agbu Kefas, however, dismissed such claims in a broadcast, stressing that the arrangement was only a temporary administrative measure to ensure effective governance and service delivery.
“I have no hidden agenda in handling issues relating to his health and have not acted contrary to the law by failing to appoint another deputy,” Kefas told residents. “I am optimistic he will recuperate and resume his duties. Should it be otherwise, the constitution, my conscience, and the doctrine of necessity will guide the next step.”
In March, the state government confirmed that Alkali had suffered a stroke, which affected his ability to speak, but assured the public that he was undergoing treatment and would return once fit.
The Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Usman, explained that Alkali was first treated in Abuja before being moved to Cairo, Egypt, for further medical checks. She urged Taraba residents to show empathy towards the deputy governor and his family.
“An ailment is a human condition that can affect anyone. Before approaching a court to question the health or fitness of a principal officer, we must first acknowledge the human nature of such a situation,” Usman said.