Governor Goes Spiritual As Deputy Battles Illness For Months

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has called on residents to offer prayers for the recovery of his ailing deputy, Aminu Alkali, whose prolonged absence from public duties has stirred concerns across the state.

Speaking in a statewide broadcast on Monday, Kefas, for the first time, addressed the deputy governor’s months-long absence, describing the matter as a human concern rather than a political issue.

“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,” he told residents.

Kefas said Alkali took ill while on official duty and stressed the need for compassion and solidarity in the face of his deputy’s health challenges. Drawing on his military background, he recalled the principle of esprit de corps — standing together irrespective of religion, ethnicity or background.
Quoting from both the Bible and the Qur’an, the governor urged the people of Taraba to unite in prayer.

“In the Bible, Galatians 6:2 teaches us to ‘bear one another’s burdens.’ In the Qur’an, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) reminds us that ‘whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.’”

He added: “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.”

While noting that the constitution provides a clear process should the deputy governor be unable to continue in office, Kefas maintained that the current priority was to show compassion and support.

“If the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, I will not hesitate to do so in the right way. For now, our duty is clear to care, to support, and to let compassion lead us,” he stated.