Taraba Political Stalemate Resolved As PDP Confirms Umar As Ag. Governor But Must ‘Consult’ With Ailing Gov. Suntai

The political crisis in Taraba State that arose as a result of the return of ailing Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai after 10 months abroad seeking medical treatment for his injuries sustained in a plane crash, abated on Tuesday with the political truce brokered by the Peoples Democratic Party.

The party had sent a delegation to the state led by Senator Hope Uzodinma to find a solution to the impasse which had pitched the ailing governor’s supporters against those of his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar.

Speaking with newsmen after a closed-door meeting with the various stakeholders at the Government House, Jalingo, Uzodinma said Umar remained the acting governor while his boss continues to recuperate.

“We have resolved the issue and it’s just a little family misunderstanding; we don’t have crisis in Taraba. The governor is Suntai, he is relatively very healthy and there is no disagreement between him and his deputy now the acting governor,” Uzodinma said.

According to him, Suntai “is also in support of the fact that the acting governor should continue to act and that he should always consult with him and clear with him on major issues pending when he will be ready to fully take over the governance of the state and it is agreeable to all party.”

Speaking in the same vein, the acting governor said the issues had been resolved just as it was agreed that he would continue to pilot the affairs of the state until Suntai was able to fully resume duty as governor.

“Let me assure you that today, we have been able to tell ourselves the truth and we have been able to resolve our differences today. I’m assuring you that Taraba is one. Let me also add that all of us here were witnesses to the fact that a week ago papers have been carrying all sorts of stories about Taraba,” he said.

“Today, we thank God that all our differences have been resolved and it was agreed that I will pilot the affairs of the state until my principal is able to come back and resume duties as our governor,” Umar added.

On the dissolution of the state executive council, Umar responded thus: “Well, I have said earlier, all issues have been resolved including all these things you have mentioned and I believe we are meeting to resolve all these things. So, there is nothing to worry about.”

He said he was still in consultation with his boss on the composition of a new state executive council.

Information Nigeria reports that Suntai was represented by his wife – Hauwa – That the meeting which also had in attendance Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa and PDP stalwarts from the state among others.