By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Tuesday said he was more concerned to ensure that the state Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Alkali, recover soon from the prolonged illness.
Kefas disclosed his position while addressing journalists in Jalingo following wide speculations of underground plans to remove the ailing deputy governor.
The governor insisted that he considers morality and conscience, and was not interested in playing politics with the man’s illness but rather, more concerned to ensure the deputy governor recover to his fit and resume official responsibilities for the development of Taraba.
Our correspondent reports that Alkali, the Taraba state deputy governor has been away over health issues for over seven months.
The prolonged illness of the deputy had earlier in July 2025 sparked wide speculations, alleging the governor’s underground plans with the state House of Assembly, alongside the chief judge, Justice Joel Agya, to declare the illing deputy governor incapacitated and replace him with the current deputy speaker of the state house of assembly, Hon. Hamman Adama.
Meanwhile, Kefas on a contrary said, “I have no interest to play politics with my deputy’s illness. My concern is to ensure he recovers soon and resume his official responsibilities.
“This is about morality and conscience, it’s not politics,” Kefas insisted.
“As a governor, I know constitution gives us provisions to follow in matters like these. Yes, we are doing so but we must consider morality and conscience to guide our decisions. The laws alone are not enough.
“My 21 years in the military service has thought me the spirit 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. That spirit has never left me.
“My Deputy fell ill while serving Taraba State faithfully and on official duty. 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.” 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.
“These are not just religious words; they are moral duties. Our Deputy Governor served this state with loyalty, 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 in the course of time and circumstances, the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, I 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,” Kefas submitted.
