The Governor of Taraba State,
Danbaba Suntai, has agreed to step aside until he fully recovers from the
injuries he sustained when a small plane he piloted crashed on 0ctober 25,
2012.
His decision is part of the outcome
of a meeting he had on Tuesday with the Peoples Democratic
Party’s Committee on the state’s political logjam, his deputy, Alhaji
Garba Umar; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, and
the PDP leaders in the North-East.
Umar was consequently directed
by the committee to continue as acting governor but with a proviso: He
must consult with the recuperating Suntai on major issues in the discharge of
his duties.
Chairman of the committee, Senator
Hope Uzodinma, made this known in Jalingo just as the members of
the state House of Assembly disagreed on whether to end the legislative
calendar on Tuesday or adjourn till Wednesday(today).
Uzodinma told
journalists that although Suntai was recovering very
fast, he was not in a good position to take full charge of
governance in the state.
He said, “We have resolved the
issue because it is just a family misunderstanding. We don’t have a crisis in
Taraba. The governor is relatively very healthy and he has no
disagreement with his deputy. In fact, he is in support of
the fact that the acting governor should continue and should consult with
him on major issues pending when he is ready to take over the full governance
of the state. Taraba State has one united and strong government and the
PDP is fully in charge.”
Suntai had at the meeting in the
Government House pleaded for forgiveness and understanding from the
people of the state. He said it was through forgiveness
and reconciliation that the state could move forward.
The governor said he was
happy to receive the delegation and solicited for prayers to see him
through his present predicament.
As he shook hands with each
member of the committee, the acting governor, the Speaker and
others in attendance, Suntai said, “I am happy to see you,
please pray for me. Forgive me if I have made mistakes.”
When he shook hands with
Tsokwa, he said, “Mr. Speaker, you know my problem. Please, I want
you to help me to pray. God will help all of us.
Turning to the the PDP National
Secretary, North-East, Bala Endefo, the governor said, “This one, I have
been quarrelling with him. Today, I forgive you.”
His wife, Hauwa, and his
main loyalist, Senator Emmanuel Bwatcha, were also in attendance.
Uzodinma had before the meeting
with Suntai told journalists that the only way to resolve the
political debacle in the state was for all sides to abide by the
provisions of the constitution.
He described the crisis as a
family feud, which should be resolved without any side being
bruised.
The committee chairman
added, “We are in Taraba to discuss with the leadership of the party,
members of the House of Assembly and critical stakeholders to see how we
can resolve this problem. Many things have happened and they are envisaged,
especially in the circumstances we find ourselves.
Tags
Politics