By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has appealed to the people of Taraba to support the ailing Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, with prayers and to show empathy towards his family. The Governor made this call during a press briefing in Jalingo, emphasizing the need for humanity and solidarity during this challenging time.
He also clarified the government’s position on the matter, assuring that any necessary actions would be taken in accordance with the constitution if the situation demands it.
“As the governor, I have the power to do whatever I want and I can choose anybody to be my deputy. If I want to appoint a deputy, I have someone I can choose.
“If with time, I have to follow the constitution, we would do it the right way. For now, he needs our prayers and support. This could happen to anybody. Let us awaken our conscience. I will not allow Taraba State to kill my conscience. I’m not breaking any law by keeping my deputy. We can not remove morality from the Constitution. I don’t care about position. Even if I’m not governor in 2027, I don’t care,
Dr. Agbu Kefas assured the public that his actions are guided by conscience and a commitment to doing what is right.
“I have heard the discussions going on in the media and among our people about the fact that our 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.
In my years of service in the Nigerian military, I learned the meaning of esprit de corps—the spirit of togetherness, where we stand by one another regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background.
In the field, we fight together and, if necessary, we make the ultimate sacrifice together.
“Our Deputy Governor fell ill while serving Taraba State faithfully and on official duty.
“This is not a political matter—it is a human one.
The constitution gives us laws to follow, and we have done everything required of us under the law.
But laws alone are not enough; morality and conscience must also guide our decisions.
“Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or of another faith, one truth binds us all: God calls us to care for one another.
“In the Holy Bible, Galatians 6:2 teaches us to “bear one another’s burdens and in the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) reminds us that “whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.”
“Our Deputy Governor served this state with loyalty. Now, in his moment of need, it is our turn to stand by him.
Governor Kefas urge Tarabans to pray, and support the family of the Deputy Governor 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 – he said.
According to him, if in the course of time and circumstances, the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, he will not hesitate to do so in the right way.
“But for now, our duty is clear to care, to support, and to let compassion lead us.
“This is not just about politics it is about humanity.
“Let me tell you, there’s nothing that’s happening in this state when I’m not around that I don’t know. I heard people saying they will wait for me in 2027. Let me tell you, 2027 is in God’s hands. Some don’t even know I’ll be governor. My second term is in God’s hand. I’m not afraid.
On his Foreign trips, he said:
“When I saw that cooked-up report about my foreign trips and the so-called billions I’ve spent, I laughed. I’ve travelled more as a private citizen than I ever have as governor. Or do they expect me to sit idle in this village while other states go out, attract investors, and leave Taraba behind? Development doesn’t come by gossip it comes by action.
“You can’t sit down in this village here and get the best.