The Taraba State Government has come forward to clear the air on the temporary administrative changes in the office of the Deputy Governor.

At a press conference held in Jalingo, Professor Josiah Kente, Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Agbu Kefas, offered a firm but calm response to what he described as “misleading narratives” surrounding the temporary assignment of Dr. Emmanuel Lawson Hassan to oversee the office of the Deputy Governor.

According to Kente, the appointment is purely to ensure the wheels of governance continue to turn smoothly while Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Alkali Abubakar takes time off for medical care.

“It is neither a replacement nor a usurpation of the Deputy Governor’s mandate,” Kente stated.

He added that: “Rather, it is a stop-gap measure to ensure the office continues to function effectively in the interest of governance and service delivery to the people of Taraba State.”

The state government’s decision has, however, sparked criticism from some quarters — including insinuations that religion or politics may have played a role in the move.

But Kente quickly dismissed such angles as both dangerous and unproductive.

“Dr. Emmanuel 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,” he emphasized.

He urged the public, particularly political actors and interest groups, to steer clear of divisive narratives that could inflame tensions or distort the intention behind the decision.

Kente also used the occasion to reassure the public about the health of Deputy Governor Abubakar, noting that Governor Kefas remains in constant communication with him and his family, offering both moral support and warm wishes for his recovery.