Deputy gov’s son lauds Kefas support over father’s illness, fault abandoned claims

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The family of ailing Taraba State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his support during the deputy governor’s illness, dismissing social media claims that he was abandoned.

Speaking at the deputy governor’s residence behind the Presidential Lodge, Jalingo, on Wednesday, his first son, Mallam Ibrahim Aminu Alkali, said the family had witnessed great improvement in his father’s health nearly two years after he fell ill.

Ibrahim was responding to recent social media reports alleging that Governor Agbu Kefas abandoned his deputy during his health challenge.

He disclosed that Kefas sponsored all medical bills from the onset, including treatment in Egypt, before Alkali returned to Nigeria and continued routine checks in Abuja.

Ibrahim urged those using his father’s illness for political gain to desist, describing Kefas’ support for the deputy governor and his family as unquantified.

“I appreciate Governor Agbu Kefas for the show of love to us. His response to my father’s illness, without God and Kefas, things would have been difficult for our family.

“Despite political pressures and rumours, he kept to the love he has for our father. Everyone is bound to fall ill. That was what happened to our father, but the governor stood firmly behind him.

“Apart from funding medical treatment, the governor goes the extra mile with constant personal visits to see his deputy’s improvement,” he said

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Madu, confirmed that all entitlements due to Alkali were paid as and when due.

“Governor Agbu Kefas has been very responsive on the deputy governor’s health. He has never hesitated to approve memos for Alkali’s medical bills since his health challenge began,” Madu said.

People’sdaily recalls that Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali fell ill on November 11, 2024. His ill health sparked political tension in the state, with some politicians calling on Governor Kefas to replace him to complete his first tenure.