Gombe Gov Explains Relative Peace, Security in Gombe

By Deji Elumoye

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has explained the relative peace and security reigning in the state saying it was a deliberate effort by both people and government to sustain it.

Speaking yesterday with newsmen after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, at the State House, Abuja, Governor Yahaya said the people saw reason on the need to reject ethnic and religious bigotry for the sake of the peace of the state.

His words: “We thank God for helping us as far as the issue of security is concerned. We are in the midst of the Northeast and we are aware of the challenges in the frontline States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are facing so we’ve tried as much as possible in order to live in peace and harmony.

“This is despite our differences, religious difference, social difference and other social differences that normally cause friction among the people and we have gotten the understanding of our people and with the support of the security agencies, we have been able to relate well and manage security in Gombe State. We are happy and by the grace of God we shall try to sustain that going forward”.

According to him, much has been achieved working with security agencies and with the collaboration of the people on how to manage the emerging issues in the state.

The Governor added that: “We’ve got the understanding of our people. And with the support of the security agencies, we’ve been able to relate and manage security and in Gombe State and we’re happy. And Insha Allah we shall try to sustain that going forward.”

Stakeholders, he explained, including monarchs, students as well as religious groups among others recently met with a view chart a way forward and sustain the existing harmony in the state.

“All stakeholders, the traditional institution, schools and security agencies were called to the Government House. We briefed them, and we advise them not to take any reprisal attack on anybody, either from the Christian or from the Muslim side. In a lot of families in Gombe, they are both Muslims or Christians. So, that relationship transcends the current issues. I think we’ve been able to manage and people are cooperating, and we shall continue to do that”.

He also said procurement processes have been completed for Gombe Ultramodern Industrial Park and the project will be awarded at the end of this month, adding that the project, covering 347 hectares of land will cost N17 billion.

Reacting to recent developments in the national body of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Yahaya said: “I don’t believe our party is in crisis. Politics like every other human endeavor has a lot of ups and downs and I think the caretaker committee is managing the party effectively and efficiently.”