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"This is not political": Taraba gov turns spiritual as deputy's illness lingers

Taraba Governor Addresses Deputy's Prolonged Illness as Political Intrigue, Resorts to Spiritual Interventions

In a surprising turn of events in Nigeria's northeastern state of Taraba, Governor Agbu Kefas has publicly attributed the prolonged illness of his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, to political machinations rather than mere health issues. Speaking during a recent address to the people of Taraba State, Governor Kefas emphasized that the deputy's condition is not a straightforward medical problem but one steeped in the murky waters of political rivalry and sabotage. This revelation has sparked widespread discussions across the state and beyond, highlighting the often intertwined nature of politics, spirituality, and governance in Nigeria's complex socio-political landscape.

Governor Kefas, who assumed office in May 2023 following a contentious election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, made these comments amid growing concerns over Deputy Governor Alkali's absence from public duties. Alkali, a seasoned politician with a background in grassroots mobilization and previous roles in local government administration, has been reportedly battling an undisclosed ailment for several months. Sources close to the government indicate that the deputy governor's health woes began shortly after the administration took power, leading to speculations about internal power struggles or external influences aimed at destabilizing the Kefas-led government.

In his address, Governor Kefas did not mince words, stating, "The illness of my deputy is not natural; it is a political matter orchestrated by those who wish to see our administration fail." He went on to describe how adversaries, possibly from opposition parties or disgruntled elements within the PDP, might be employing unconventional means to undermine the deputy governor's effectiveness. This claim resonates with a broader pattern in Nigerian politics where allegations of spiritual attacks, witchcraft, or "juju" are not uncommon, especially in regions like Taraba where traditional beliefs hold significant sway alongside modern governance.

To counter this perceived threat, Governor Kefas announced that he has taken "spiritual actions" to address the situation. These include organizing prayer sessions involving Christian and Muslim clerics, as Taraba is a religiously diverse state with a mix of both faiths. The governor, himself a Christian from the southern part of the state, has reportedly invited prominent religious leaders to the Government House in Jalingo for interfaith prayers aimed at healing the deputy and warding off any malevolent forces. "We are a people of faith," Kefas remarked. "While we pursue medical solutions, we cannot ignore the spiritual dimensions of these attacks. God will expose those behind this and restore my deputy's health."

This approach underscores the governor's strategy to blend governance with spiritual recourse, a tactic that has historical precedents in Nigerian politics. For instance, similar narratives emerged during the tenure of former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku, who faced accusations of favoritism and political witch-hunts. Taraba State, known for its ethnic diversity with groups like the Fulani, Tiv, Jukun, and Mumuye, has long been a hotbed of political tensions, often exacerbated by resource control, land disputes, and electoral violence. The 2023 elections that brought Kefas to power were marred by allegations of rigging and ethnic favoritism, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the results in court, though the Supreme Court ultimately upheld Kefas's victory.

The deputy's illness has not only raised questions about the stability of the administration but also about succession plans. Under Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, if a deputy governor is incapacitated, the governor can appoint a replacement with legislative approval, but prolonged absence could lead to calls for impeachment or resignation. Political analysts suggest that Alkali's condition might be leveraged by opponents to create rifts within the PDP, especially as the party grapples with national challenges ahead of future elections. "This is classic Nigerian politics," noted Dr. Aisha Bello, a political commentator based in Abuja. "When health issues arise in high places, it's easy to attribute them to enemies, real or imagined, to rally support and deflect from governance lapses."

Public reactions in Taraba have been mixed. Supporters of the governor view his spiritual interventions as a proactive step, reflecting cultural norms where prayer and traditional healing are integral to problem-solving. In rural areas like Wukari and Takum, residents have organized local prayer vigils in solidarity with the deputy governor. However, critics argue that such pronouncements distract from addressing systemic healthcare deficiencies in the state. Taraba's health sector has long been underfunded, with reports from the World Health Organization indicating high rates of infectious diseases and inadequate medical facilities. "Instead of spiritual actions, the government should focus on improving hospitals and ensuring the deputy gets the best medical care abroad if needed," said opposition figure Mallam Yusuf Danladi of the APC.

Governor Kefas has assured the public that medical efforts are ongoing, with the deputy receiving treatment at a specialist hospital in Abuja. He revealed that Alkali's condition involves complications that have required multiple consultations with experts, though details remain sparse to protect privacy. The governor also hinted at investigations into the alleged political sabotage, promising that security agencies would probe any links to disloyal elements within or outside the state.

This episode adds to the intrigue surrounding the Kefas administration, which has prioritized infrastructure development, agriculture, and youth empowerment since inception. Projects like the revival of the Mambilla Plateau tea farms and road constructions in remote areas have been highlighted as achievements, but the deputy's absence has cast a shadow over these efforts. Political observers are watching closely to see if this "spiritual warfare" narrative strengthens Kefas's hold on power or exposes vulnerabilities.

In a broader context, the Taraba case mirrors incidents across Nigeria where leaders invoke spirituality amid crises. From former President Muhammadu Buhari's health challenges, often shrouded in mystery, to state governors like those in Benue and Plateau resorting to prayers during security upheavals, it's a reminder of how faith intersects with politics. As Taraba navigates this, the hope is for Deputy Governor Alkali's swift recovery, allowing the administration to refocus on delivering democratic dividends to its people.

The governor's stance has also drawn national attention, with social media buzzing with debates on whether such spiritual claims undermine rational governance. Hashtags like #TarabaSpiritualPolitics and #HealOurDeputy have trended, reflecting a populace divided between skepticism and belief. Ultimately, this development underscores the enduring role of spirituality in Nigerian public life, where leaders often turn to divine intervention when earthly solutions seem insufficient.

As the story unfolds, stakeholders in Taraba and beyond await updates on the deputy's health and any revelations from the promised investigations. Governor Kefas's bold declaration positions him as a defender against unseen forces, potentially galvanizing his base while inviting scrutiny from opponents. In a state where politics is as much about alliances and enmities as it is about policy, this "political matter" could redefine the Kefas era. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full legit Article at:
[ https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1669066-taraba-gov-takes-spiritual-action-prolonged-illness-deputy-s-a-political-matter/ ]