Alhaji Garba Umar, the acting governor of the Nigerian north eastern state of Taraba, has debunked reports that the medical panel set up to ascertain the health of ailing Gov. Danbaba Suntai was to remove him from office.

The acting governor spoke with newsmen after paying a courtesy call on the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) on Thursday in Abuja.

He was received by the PDP Deputy National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, and other members of the party`s National Working Committee (NWC).

Governor Danbaba Suntai

Umar stressed that the medical panel was to ascertain the state of health of Suntai, to know if he was fit to govern the state.

He, however, added that the medical condition of Suntai was improving, following treatment received from hospitals both within and outside the country.

“We are waiting for doctors to certify him fit to resume his duties,’’ he said.

He added that the government under his leadership, had taken measures to ensure peace and stability in the state.

This, he said, was in spite of tension occasioned by the recent return of Suntai to the state from medical treatment abroad.

According to him, the insistence of some politicians in the state that he handed over to Suntai against professional advice, is the reason for the current tension in the state.

“This has forced the State Executive Council to request the state House of Assembly to set up a medical panel to verify the state of health of our governor.

“I have had people say that the motive behind the setting up of the panel is to remove the governor; this is not true. It is mainly intended to determine if I can hand over to him or not,’’ he said.

The acting governor, however, said that government was doing everything possible to ensure security and stability in the state, adding that over 100 security vehicles had been provided.

“We are ensuring that everyone that fled the state returns and I am forming a resettlement committee to look at the losses of each individual in order to assist them.

“It is my hope and believe that virtually everyone that left the state will come back in the next one or two months.’’

Earlier, Secondus, while commending the acting governor for his development strides in the state, urged him to continue ensuring peace and order and good relationship among party stakeholders in the state.

“We believe that you are doing that and will continue doing that as we move into the crucial period of primaries and elections.

“We want to congratulate you and ask that the good Lord that had given you this position, because power comes from God, will continue to be with you,’’ he said.

He, however, added that team work was required to ensure peace and stability in Taraba.

Mr Olisa Metuh, the party`s National Publicity Secretary, said that the PDP leadership was satisfied with the Taraba government under Umar.

He added that the party leadership had completely endorsed all plans of the acting governor to ensure that peace, law and order was maintained in the state.

“We are very happy with him; he has showed commitment, dedication and loyalty to the party and we are very happy with him,’’ he said.

Suntai had been ill since Oct. 25, 2012, following injuries he sustained from an air crash when he piloted a private jet.