The Taraba State Government has disclosed that Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali has been receiving medical treatment following a stroke. The announcement came after months of speculation about his prolonged absence from public duties since November 2024.
State Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Usman, revealed that Alkali was initially treated in Abuja before being transferred to Cairo, Egypt, for further medical care. She explained that the stroke affected his ability to speak and caused weakness in one part of his body. However, she assured the public that the deputy governor is recuperating well and is expected to return to his duties soon.
“Sometimes around November last year, His Excellency had an ailment that necessitated his movement to Abuja for treatment. From Abuja, he was later moved to Cairo, Egypt, for further checks, and the Commissioner of Health was delegated to check on his health status,” Usman stated during a briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.
The commissioner urged residents to sympathize with Alkali and the state government, emphasizing that illness is a natural occurrence that can affect anyone. She also dismissed concerns about Alkali’s eligibility to remain in office, clarifying that the 90-day absence rule applies only to governors, not deputy governors. “His determination or eligibility to be in office is all determined by the governor,” she added.
Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Bordiya Buma, who recently visited Alkali in Egypt, confirmed that the deputy governor is responding well to treatment. “He had a stroke, which affected a part of his body, weakness in one part of the body. His ability to talk was affected, but glory be to God, the treatment is still ongoing, and we are happy with the current treatment he is receiving,” Buma said.
The state government expressed optimism that Alkali would soon return to resume his official duties. No specific date was given for his return, but officials assured the public that his recovery is progressing positively.
Alkali’s absence had sparked widespread speculation and concern among stakeholders in Taraba State, with some calling for clarity on his health status and whereabouts. The recent disclosure by the state government has now provided much-needed answers to these concerns.