Taraba: Is Governor Darius Seriously Sick?

By Our Reporter

After his return from weeks’ vacation Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state avoids public appearances a situation now spurred anxiety over his health status, as taking of pictures or making video of the governor arrival was barred at the airport.

Governor Ishaku  had returned Jalingo on Tuesday night after long vacation out of the country but he is yet to making any public appearance in the state, just as many of his public engagements were cancelled.

Also for now no picture of the governor returning to the state has been made public.

Though, reporters could not confirm yet , however rumor is being  peddled that Governor Ishaku is down with partial stroke and was treated in an undisclosed hospital aboard, ‘’ For now, the governor has been avoiding public appearances and engagements since his controversial return to the state.

‘’We wanted to receive him at the airport but we were barred, but nevertheless we wish him quick recovery,’’ said a senior public servant who pleaded for anonymity.

Hundreds of workers that converged  on Jolly Nyame stadium for workers day celebration were disappointed as the governor did not show for the annual event, so their  hopes and expectations to know the state government position on the new minimum wage was dashed, while his Deputy who represented Governor Darius Ishaku at the event however kept mute  on the matter.

Not only that inside sources say that upon his return the governor is yet to meet with the striking lecturers of the state university, though his aides had earlier assured  that the governor will ensure university students return to class room 24 hours after his return from vacation but nothing happened.

‘’Our hope dashed, because we were been assured by the governor’s aides sometimes last week, that as soon he arrived His excellency Governor Darius will meet with our leaders but we are yet to hear anything,’’ said a lecturer who doesn’t want to be named as he was not allowed to talk to press on the subject matter.

Investigations also revealed that a first class traditional chief who was seeking audience with the governor was not allowed after waiting for hours at the government house on last Wednesday evening.

An online newspaper in the state  Taraba Truth and Facts  had earlier reported that even  the deputy governor Haruna Manu is yet to meet his boss since his arrival on Tuesday night despite making fanatic efforts.

The insider told the paper that ‘’ Manu has been making several calls to some governor’s aide and top members of his kitchen cabinet who told him the Governor needs some rest after a long flight back to the country.

‘’Another close watcher of event in the government house Jalingo told our reporter that the governor return from vacation was shrouded in secrecy, only few politicians were carried along in fact his deputy was informed of his coming, but was not at the airport to receive him,’’ it stated.

‘’No, our governor is able and healthy’’ Governor’s aides react

But in a swift reaction, the governor’s aide on political matters Abubakar Bawa dismissed reports being peddled that the governor is ‘’seriously sick.’’

“There is no iota of truth in the rumour making the round in the state and beyond that Gov. Ishaku is either sick or dead. His Excellency is healthy, energetic and full of life going about his official duties for the betterment of the state and wondered why political detractors and enemies of progress would want him dead.

‘’It is obvious that the Almighty God will give the Governor long life and good health to continue to serve as a pillar of support to his people,’’ said he.

But when further asked on why the governor kept avoiding public appearances and for a since his controversial return, Bawa explained that, ‘’ Must he be at all events? He is being represented by his deputy, because even during the workers day he was represented by the deputy; so why you people must ask for his public appearance? I think some are out for mischief,’’ he fumed.

Calls for his appearance

To avoid the replayed of Governor Danbaba Suntai’s return saga, groups of concern citizens have started prevailing on the governor to make public appearance to assure the people that all is well with him.

“It’s unfortunate that our politicians tend to forget that if you are holding public office, you are peoples’ servant.

‘’ We are all human and can be sick there is nothing to hide about it, if he is not feeling fine we wish quick recovery but the people should be carried along so that they can all join in praying for him, he is our governor,” said Mrs Abigel Tor of Taraba Concern Citizens.

Also corroborating Musa Maraneyo a public commentator recalled how Governor Suntai’s associates held Taraba to ransom for three years with acrimony ‘Taraba cabals’.

‘’On August 25, 2013, 10 months after his medical trip abroad, Suntai returned amidst reports that he could not talk. He was carried out of the plane by his aides because he clearly could not walk at the time. Umar, his deputy, was blocked from receiving him in Jalingo. Still, the people around him all claimed he was fit to return to his duty post. In fact, one even said at the airport that Suntai was “mentally alert and lucid”.

‘’So, while we pray for his speedy recovery, we should also avoid repeat of Suntai’s saga,’’ he urges.