Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Alkali
Family of the ailing Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his unwavering support throughout the deputy governor’s prolonged illness, dismissing claims that the governor abandoned him during his health challenge.
The deputy governor’s first son, Mallam Ibrahim Aminu Alkali, stated this while speaking with journalists at his father’s residence behind the Presidential Lodge in Jalingo on Monday.
According to him, the family has witnessed significant improvement in the deputy governor’s health since he fell ill nearly two years ago.
He was reacting to recent reports on social media alleging that Governor Kefas had neglected his deputy and his family during the period of illness.
“I appreciate the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for the show of love to us. I mean his response to the illness of my father. Without Kefas and God, things would have been difficult for all of us in the family.
“Despite all the political pressures and rumours around, he kept to the usual love he has for our father. In nature, everyone is bound to fall ill, and that was what happened to our father, but the governor stood firmly behind our father.
“He sponsored every medical bill from the onset. From the first hospital, our father was taken to Egypt for further treatment, came back to Nigeria, returned to Jalingo, and now he is on routine medical check-ups in Abuja, where we are witnessing great improvement in his health.”
Ibrahim further revealed that beyond providing funds for the deputy governor’s treatment, Governor Kefas had continued to make personal visits to monitor his recovery.
He also appealed to those using his father’s illness for political purposes to desist, insisting that the governor’s support for the deputy governor and the entire family had been overwhelming.
“The love shown not only to the deputy governor but to our entire family during this trying period by Governor Kefas is unquantifiable. Those using my father’s illness to achieve political goals in Taraba State should desist from such acts.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Madu, dismissed claims that the deputy governor had been neglected by the state government.
According to him, all the deputy governor’s entitlements have continued to be paid as and when due.
He said Governor Kefas had remained responsive throughout the deputy governor’s health challenge and had consistently approved requests relating to his medical treatment without delay.
It would be recalled that Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali fell ill on November 11, 2024, while serving in office. His prolonged health challenge sparked political debate in Taraba State, with some politicians calling on Governor Kefas to replace him with another deputy to complete the administration’s first term.
However, the deputy governor’s family maintains that he is responding well to treatment and has expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for his steadfast support throughout the period of his illness.
