Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The prolonged absence of Taraba State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali from major government functions has sparked widespread concern among residents, with many questioning his whereabouts.
Dennis Shima, a concerned citizen of Taraba State, voiced his apprehensions in an open letter titled, “Dear Tarabans, Where is Our Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Aminu Alkali?” shared on Facebook.
In his letter, Shima stated,
“We deserve to know about His Excellency because he was elected to represent the public.
“Tarabans have the right to know his whereabouts after being absent from official public functions for over 21 days.”
Shima highlighted several key events the Deputy Governor missed, including:
Governor Kefas’ 2025 budget presentation at the Taraba State House of Assembly in Jalingo, An interactive session with Taraba stakeholders in Abuja, The burial of Governor Agbu Kefas’ younger sister, Miss Atsi Kefas, in Wukari, Governor Agbu Kefas’ New Year 2025 maiden speech in Jalingo, just to mention but few.
Shimma concluded with a direct question: “Where is Taraba State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Aminu Alkali?”
In a response, Mr. James Jibaniya, the Information and Reorientation Officer at the Deputy Governor’s Office, reassured the public that the Deputy Governor is recovering.
“He is fine and recovering from a health challenge that arose 21 days ago.
“We hope to welcome him back to the state soon by the grace of God,” Jibaniya stated.
An nvestigation revealed that Alhaji Alkali suffered a partial stroke affecting the left side of his body.
Exclusive footage obtained by the news outlet shows the Deputy Governor is undergoing treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.
While the video indicates he can use his right hand, it also shows the limited mobility of his left.
Although no official statement beyond Jibaniya’s remarks has been issued, it appears the Deputy Governor may be unavailable for an extended period, leaving many Tarabans anxious about the state’s leadership stability.