Skip to main content

Crisis Brews in Taraba Over Deputy Governor’s Absence, Controversial Appointment Sparks Outrage from Mumuye Group.



By Jako,July 3, 2025.

 Tension is mounting in Taraba State following the controversial reappointment of a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Office of the Deputy Governor, a move that has been roundly criticized by the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA) as unconstitutional and politically insensitive.

The appointment letter, reportedly signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and approved by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, has circulated widely on social media, prompting backlash from political observers and ethnic leaders alike. The letter claims the appointment is "to ensure effectiveness of governance and articulation of government policies and programs emanating from the purview of the deputy governor's office.”

However, critics argue that the role as outlined in the letter appears to overlap directly with the constitutional responsibilities of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, who has been absent from office since November 2024 under undisclosed circumstances.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Associate Professor Alex M. Malaazee, and Secretary, Dr. Ishaku Bitrus Manang, the MCDA questioned the legitimacy and intent behind the appointment, warning that the action may be a veiled attempt to sidestep constitutional provisions for replacing a deputy governor.

“The letter raises more questions than it answers,” the MCDA stated. “What is the justification for creating this position now, when no such appointment was deemed necessary in the many months the Deputy Governor has been absent?”

The association challenged the state government to clarify whether such a position is recognized under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), and whether the appointment does not in effect create an unconstitutional ‘Assistant Deputy Governor.’

“If the Deputy Governor is incapacitated, isn’t the proper course of action for the Permanent Secretary in the office to take administrative charge pending constitutional resolution?” the group queried.

The MCDA also warned against any backdoor political maneuvering that could jeopardize the power-sharing arrangement that brought the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to victory in the 2023 elections.

“The ticket of Governor Kefas and Deputy Governor Alkali was a strategic alliance between the ruling party and the Mumuye people. That agreement must not be dishonored under any guise,” the group emphasized. “It is now the turn of the Mumuye people to benefit from the PDP. Gaa Daa Bii!”

Political analysts view this controversy as a potential flashpoint for ethnic and political tensions in Taraba, especially if the state government fails to address growing concerns about transparency, constitutional order, and equitable representation.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Taraba State Government regarding the concerns raised.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP, UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA EPISCOPAL AREA AND MISSION DISTRICTS OF SENEGAL AND CAMEROON BISHOP ANDE I. EMMANUEL.

Statement Condemning the Attack on Bamyam Theological Seminary The United Methodist Church in Nigeria strongly condemns the recent attack on Bamyam  Theological Seminary in Bambur by leaders and members of the Global Methodist Church  (GMC) in Nigeria. This act of aggression, which included the vandalization of United  Methodist landmarks, signposts, and logos—specifically at the Seminary chapel, is not only  an affront to our faith but a clear attempt to erase the identity and heritage of The United  Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria. This incident is not isolated. It is directly connected to the illegal occupation of UMC  properties by the GMC, the December 15th brutal killing of 27-year-old Masoyi and two  infants in Munga Dosso, and the burning down of a United Methodist Church worship center  in Keru, Benue District. These coordinated attacks expose the Global Methodist Church’s  ongoing campaign of intimidation, violence, an...
Post a Comment
Read more

INSECURITY: Two suspected kidnappers nabbed in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo.

Troops of six Brigade Nigerian Army headquarters ,Jalingo have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing parts of Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State.  A statement by Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations Six Brigade Nigeria Army headquarters, Jalingo, Captain Olubodunde Oni says the Brigade act on an intelligence report and two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar were apprehended early this week. The statement adds that the culprits were captured during a raid at a local hotel in Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding.  It adds that Further investigations led to the discovery that the gang's hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo , where additional members of the syndicate were believed to be camped. The statement says the leader of the gang Dahiru Idi was also apprehended following an operation at kona Mountain the following day. It states that the gang leader confessed to the recent kidn...
Post a Comment
Read more

RELIGION: UMC-N Bishop Ande Emmanuel decries continual tensions,calls on Gov.Agbu to waive into the matter.

The Resident Bishop United Methodist Church Nigeria  Episcopal Area, Ande Emmanuel has decried continual tensions impacting the church in Nigeria. The Bishop, in a Press briefing in Jalingo, condemned any act of violence or disrespect to the church, referencing the attack at Banyan Theological Seminary in the Bambur Community of Karim Lamido Local government area. He remarked that the Seminary established in 1946 by the United Methodist Church agencies and donors has been manned by the church and has continued to fund the Seminary that has trained many clergy of the UMC, including him. The Bishop added that earlier before the attack on the Seminary, on February 6th,2025, a United Methodist Church, Keru Charge in Balaifi In Benue District of North Eastern Nigeria was set ablaze the attack he attributed to persons associated with the Global Methodist Church. Bishop Ande remarked that the UMC has always toured the path of peace, calling on the GMC leadership to work with i...
Post a Comment
Read more