‘Why Deputy Chief of Staff Was Posted to Deputy Governor’s Office’

The Taraba State Government has debunked rumours suggesting that the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, has been replaced, following the recent posting of Dr. Emmanuel Lawson to the Deputy Governor's office as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Speaking at a press conference held at Government House in Jalingo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Josiah Sabo Kente, clarified that the development is purely administrative and should not be misinterpreted as a political or constitutional shift in the state's leadership.

"The posting of Dr. Emmanuel Lawson is an administrative necessity and has no bearing on the status or authority of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali," Kente stated. "It is not driven by religion, ethnicity, or politics. The Deputy Governor remains in office, and no changes have been made to his mandate."

He emphasized that the Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, remains committed to transparent, inclusive, and people-centered governance that respects the diverse makeup of Taraba State. According to him, the administrative move was made to ensure that the office of the Deputy Governor continues to function efficiently and effectively in service delivery.

Kente further condemned what he described as "mischievous social media reports" aimed at stirring political tension. He assured the public that Governor Kefas has remained in close contact with Deputy Governor Alkali and his family throughout his ongoing recovery process.

"People should disregard the misinformation. This is the handiwork of those trying to create confusion. The Governor has shown compassion and responsibility in maintaining engagement with his deputy and ensuring the smooth running of government," Kente added.

Also addressing the media, the Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo, reiterated that Dr. Lawson's deployment is routine and procedural.

"Dr. Emmanuel Lawson was deployed as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor's office. It is not an acting appointment, nor does it assign any constitutional or executive authority. It is comparable to assigning a Chief Protocol Officer or other support staff as part of normal administrative structure," she explained.

Barr. Jalingo urged the public to disregard false claims and politically motivated interpretations of the deployment, noting that the purpose is to strengthen operations and improve service delivery in the Deputy Governor's office.

She concluded by reiterating that the executive structure of the state remains intact, and there is no vacancy in the office of the Deputy Governor.