The Taraba State Government has confirmed that Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali, who has been absent since November 2024, is recuperating from a stroke and is expected to resume his duties shortly.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking at a briefing following the Taraba Executive Council Meeting on Monday, Commissioner for Information and Reorientation Zainab Usman explained that Alkali’s absence was due to a medical condition that required urgent treatment. “Sometimes around November last year, his excellency had an ailment that necessitated his movement to Abuja for treatment,” she said. From Abuja, Alkali was later transferred to Cairo, Egypt, for further medical evaluation.
Commissioner Usman stressed that the stroke had affected the deputy governor’s ability to speak, but reassured the public that his condition is improving. “Taraba residents need to sympathize with the executive council, his excellency, and the deputy governor as per his health condition. Ailment is something that is general and can happen to anyone,” she remarked, emphasizing the human aspect of public service.
Addressing concerns about potential political repercussions due to his prolonged absence, Commissioner Usman clarified that the statutory 90-day rule applies only to a sitting governor, not the deputy. “From my background, this principle of 90 days applies only to a sitting governor of a state, not the deputy. His determination or eligibility to be in the office is all determined by the governor,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Bordiya Buma, who visited Alkali in Egypt, confirmed that while the stroke has left him with weakness on one side of his body and affected his speech, his treatment is progressing well. “He had a stroke, which affected a part of his body, causing weakness and impacting his ability to talk. Glory be to God, the treatment is still ongoing and we are happy with the current treatment he is receiving,” Bordiya said.
Bordiya added, “We are hoping that very soon, we will welcome him back to the state to continue his normal activities,” underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting his recovery.
The Taraba administration continues to urge the public to show empathy and patience during this challenging period for Deputy Governor Alkali, reminding residents that public officials are human and susceptible to health challenges like anyone else.
