Taraba Crisis: Deputy Governor to Continue in Acting Capacity, as Suntai Loyalists Plot New Schemes

The Taraba State Assembly, led by the Deputy Speaker, Tanko Maikarsi, on September 2, 2013, Monday, adopted a fresh resolution asking the Deputy Governor, Garba Umar, to continue as Acting Governor in view of the incapacitation of Governor Danbaba Suntai.

The resolution was a follow up to a press statement issued by the lawmakers last week after meeting Governor Suntai, and declaration that he was in no condition to run the state in view of his poor health.

Monday's resolution puts a legal stamp on the position of the acting governor.

Moreover, Mr. Garvey Yaro, the Secretary to the State Government originally appointed by the Acting Governor Umar, returned to his office on Monday and carried out his official duties.

The former Attorney-General, Mr. Timothy Kataps, who was "appointed to the position" by Suntai last week did not assume the office due to the intervention of the House.

The return to work of the SSG is a big blow to the cabal led by Suntai's wife and Senator Emmanuel Bwatcha, who had spearheaded the audacious effort to manipulate Taraba State.

Meanwhile, Governor Sunati remains marooned at the Governor's Lodge with the two medical personnel that accompanied him from the United States, as well as his younger brother, Babangida.

Acting Governor Umar has not returned from Abuja yet, as he led Taraba State delegates to the historical Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention at the weekend.

In the federal capital, the Acting Governor has reportedly faced pressure from Suntai's supporters not to contest the 2015 elections so that one of the Suntai's loyalists can run.

The cabal is also said to be considering a legal option with the aid of Damian Dodo (SAN), who has reportedly assembled a high-powered team. But the cabal is afraid that a drawn out legal process my completely destroy their agenda to frustrate the control of the state by the acting governor and his loyalists.

Sources in the State Government of Taraba denied reports that banks were not honoring cheques issues by the acting governor, asserting that the state was carrying out normal financial transactions and today paid allowances to several aides of the acting governor.