Politics
“With Taraba Deputy Governor Absent for 8 Months, Do We Really Need That Office?” – Lawyer
Constitutional lawyer Akugbe Osayande has questioned the relevance of the office of the Deputy Governor in Nigerian states, citing the prolonged absence of Taraba State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali. Alkali, elected alongside Governor Agbu Kefas in 2023, has been out of public view for over eight months due to a serious illness. He was initially treated at the National Hospital in Abuja before being flown to Egypt as his condition worsened, and has not made any public appearance since.
Osayande, speaking during an interview on Arise News, argued that Alkali’s continued absence without any noticeable disruption in the functioning of the Taraba State government should prompt a broader national conversation about whether states truly need deputy governors. He pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution mentions incapacitation but lacks a clear legal definition for permanent incapacity, leaving the matter open to interpretation.
He noted that the state executive council, made up of appointees of the governor, has downplayed the seriousness of Alkali’s condition, insisting that he is “recovering” despite the lengthy absence. “With the Taraba State Deputy Governor absent for eight months, we need to ask if we really need that office,” Osayande said. “With all the state funds going into that office and the fact that a deputy governor can be absent for up to eight months without the state feeling a vacuum, do we really need a deputy governor?”
-
Entertainment2 years agoAdanma Luke Appeals for Forgiveness over Junior Pope’s Death: “I’m Gradually Losing My Life, Please Forgive Me”
-
Security News2 years agoRivers: Tension as Gunmen on Speedboat Abduct Fubara, Police Launch Manhunt
-
Security News2 years agoSoldiers in South East Extort, Humiliate Us While Kidnappers Operate Freely Near Checkpoints, Igbo Women’s Group Alleges
-
Politics2 years agoRevealed: Ajuri Ngelale Fired Over Feud with Onanuga, Despite Medical Cover Story
-
General News2 years agoGov. Soludo Seals Peter Obi’s Campaign Office, Edozie Njoku-Led APGA State Office
-
Security News2 years agoEnugwu-Ukwu in Shock: Deadly Ambush Leaves Multiple Dead, Survivors in Fear
-
General News2 years agoVideo: Moment DSS Staff Erupt in Jubilation as News of Bichi’s Sack Announced
-
Breaking News2 years agoJUST IN: Presidential Adviser Ajuri Ngelale Steps Down Temporarily, Cites Reasons
We do not the office of Deputy Governor because if it was the governor that had been absent due to illness, it’s the deputy governor that will act on his behalf.
Let us not always try to stir up unnecessary and divisive arguments simply because we think we possess some intellect and professionalism. This POV is needless at best.