No Plan To Replace Ailing Deputy Gov With Lawson

The Taraba State government has said the deployment of Dr Lawson Emmanuel to the ailing deputy governor’s office is neither a replacement nor a usurpation of the deputy governor’s mandate but a stop-gap measure to ensure that the office continues to function effectively in the interest of governance and service delivery to the people of Taraba State.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Government House in Jalingo, the senior special assistant to the governor on Political Matters, Hon Josiah Sabo

Kente, clarified the development on behalf of the governor noting that the posting is purely administrative and should not be misinterpreted as a political or constitutional shift in the state’s leadership.

“Let me begin by reaffirming that His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, remains unwaveringly committed to transparency, inclusion and unity in the governance of Taraba State.

“The governor’s policies and appointments have consistently reflected the diversity of our people across ethnic, religious and geopolitical affiliations.

“The posting of Dr Williams Lawson a seasoned public servant, administrator and loyal member of this government to oversee the office of the deputy governor is purely an administrative necessity, made in good faith and entirely devoid of religious, ethnic or political sentiments.

“It is neither a replacement nor a usurpation of the deputy governor’s mandate. Rather, it is a stop-gap measure to ensure that the office continues to function effectively in the interest of governance and service delivery to the people of Taraba State,” he said.

The governor regretted that certain individuals and groups motivated by mischief, personal interests or perhaps, political desperation, have deliberately misinterpreted the posting and are attempting to give it a religious colouration.

“Dr Williams Lawson’s appointment has nothing to do with religion. It is not a permanent substitution, but a temporary administrative oversight of duties within the office. His Excellency, the governor, remains in constant communication with the deputy governor and his family and continues to pray and hope for his full recovery.

He urged the people to always resist the temptation of politicizing or religiously weaponising every action of government, especially at a time when Taraba State is making unprecedented strides in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

LEADERSHIP Sunday learnt that crucial government agencies like the Boundary Commission and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) remain under the purview of the deputy governor’s office.