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Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Blame Game in Gombe

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Blame Game in Gombe

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Blame Game in Gombe

By: James Bwala

Last Friday former governor of Gombe state and Senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje and Governor Inuwa Yahaya have robbed each other’s shoulders with the blood of the innocent when their supporters clashed in Gombe to please their paid masters.

While Governor Inuwa Yahaya was said to rely on his executive powers to gather support of the party youth leader, His ADC and a driver to lead the battle against Goje, the Senator was said to have awake his dreaded thugs popularly called “Yankalare” for the clash that left five people dead.

Barely hours after the clash, Senator Danjuma Goje’s daughter, Hussaina, on Saturday resigned as the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources, in protest after suspected political thugs assaulted her father.

In a press statement she made available to journalists in Gombe last week Saturday, Ms Goje said her resignation was a personal decision.

“Today, Saturday 6th of November, I wish to inform the general public and media organisations that I, Dr Husaina Goje, has tendered my formal resignation, from my position as Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, effective today.

Dr. Hussaina Goje

“I also wish to inform that my resignation was made based on my personal reasons. With this I wish to show my appreciation for the opportunity given to me by His Excellency the executive governor to serve as a member of his executive council in this administration.”

On Friday, the convoy of her father, Mr Goje, was attacked by suspected political thugs while the senator was on his way to the state capital to attend a wedding.

According to residents who witnessed the incident, the suspected thugs blocked the Gombe-Bauchi highway near the International Conference Centre in Gombe and set bonfires on the road.

Mr Goje’s media aide, Lilian Nworie, in a statement she issued after the incident in Gombe, said Mr Goje accused the aide-de-camp of the governor of organising the blockade and attack on his convoy.

“He arrived Gombe from Abuja, via Gombe Airport in Lawanti, peacefully until the governor’s aides blocked the road,” the statement said.

“The distinguished senator’s trip was peaceful until when the governor’s aides, including his aide-de-camp and his driver, blocked the road. For two hours, they unleashed terror on Senator Goje and those in his convoy.

“It is unfortunate that one life was lost and many cars vandalised, including the Senator’s vehicle. They smashed the windscreen. All efforts to make the governor’s aide-de-camp remove the blockade yielded no result as he insisted that he got instruction from above that the former governor should not be allowed into the town,” the media aide said in the statement.

Reacting to the incident, the state government said the former governor “caused a breach of peace in the state capital with his visit to the state.”

In a press statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Julius Ishaya, the government accused Mr Goje of mobilising and arming thugs from various LGAs under the pretext that his supporters were accompanying him from the airport into the state capital.

“Recall that during the last Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, the same person sponsored some thugs that threw caution into the wind and went on a rampage, leading to the loss of two lives. Also, just last week at Deba in Yamaltu Deba LGA, the same scenario played out at the instance of the Senator.

“It is sad that Goje has not left his old ways and is bent on bringing back his brainchild (Kalare) to unleash mayhem and bug the peaceful atmosphere of Gombe State.

“Gombe state has been witnessing relative peace and harmony due largely to the determination and avowed commitment of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in that direction and therefore the government would not stand by and watch desperate politicians unleash terror and violence on innocent citizens to the extent of getting people killed.

“While sympathising with the families of the victims, Government commends the security agencies for their timely intervention in bringing the ugly situation under control.

“His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, will not renege on his responsibilities and therefore will do everything necessary to protect the lives and property of the citizenry. The government will make sure that perpetrators of the unfortunate act, no matter how highly placed, are brought to book,” the statement said.

Mr Goje and the governor are members of the same ruling All Progressives Congress, which took over the state from the People’s Democratic Party at the 2019 general elections. But politicians in the state said the fight between Governor Inuwa Yahaya and Senator Danjuma Goje dated back to 2011 when Goje who was said to have brought Inuwa Yahaya into the polity to succeed him later dumped Inuwa Yahaya for Dankwambo.

Also Read: SOKAPU spokesman arrested for allegedly spreading fake news

Following the clash last Friday, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) called for the suspension of Senator Goje from the party.

Goje, who was called in Gombe during his government as ’emperor’ due to his links to many crises, was alleged to be behind the establishment of the deadly gang called ‘ yankalere’.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Blame Game in Gombe

Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim, spokesman for APC Stakeholders in Gombe state said that Governor Inuwa Yahaya was never accused of any criminal tendencies from childhood until today.

“Governor Yahaya has been a peacemaker and one who sacrificed himself to offer the best for the good people of Gombe and Nigeria at large,’ he said.

The Stakeholders warned Senator Danjuma Goje against his desperate move to compromise peace in the state and throw the administration of governor Yahaya into chaos for his selfish interest.

He asked “Why will Goje recruit the youth into thuggery and drug abuse instead of using his political office to empower them to better our society?”.

The party according to him has given Senator Danjuma Goje one week ultimatum to tender an apology to the party and residents of the state for the violent clash masterminded by his sponsored political thugs.

But in what looks like his reaction to current issues in Gombe, Senator Danjuma Goje, has written to the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba; Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; and Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over alleged assassination attempt on his life and his personal Assistant, Adamu Manga, by the Aide-De-Camp and Chief Security Officer of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Superintendent of Police Zulaidaini Abba and Sani Bajoga respectively.

Goje’s petition to the DSS boss, IGP and AGF, written by his Lawyer, VC Nwadike, was dated November 8, 2021.

The petition, already received in the offices of those petitioned, called for investigation into the matter with aim of bringing the Officers involved to justice by prosecuting them after disciplinary action had been taken against them.

The Service Number of the ADC was given as AP/No: 118814 and that of the CSO: AP/No: 57675.

The petition reads: “That on the 5th day of November, 2021, our client came into Gombe through the Gombe International Airport at about 10:30 hours, to attend the wedding ceremony of his relative and some of his constituent supporters and admirers came to the airport to welcome and accompany him home.

“On their way to our client’s home, his personal Assistant and others with them were brutally attacked with guns, cutlass and other dangerous weapons by SP Zulaidaini Abba and Sani Bajoga, CSO to the governor of Gombe state.

“It was by whiskers and the Grace of Allah that our client escaped death, but his personal Assistant was not lucky as he was seriously injured by the attackers with cutlasses.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Blame Game in Gombe

“At a place near the Gombe International Airport Conference Center, Bauchi-Gombe federal highway, ADC and CSO leading Kawu Keep, Sanusi Attacker, Danjuma Skade and many others came with several vehicles belonging to the Government House and numerous thugs behind them.

“The officers with aid of the vehicles of the government blocked the highway, stopped the movement of our client and those with him for hours.

“The ADC and the CSO commanded the numerous thugs bearing matches, short axes, knives, different shaped hard and dried sticks hitherto shielded by them to attack our client and those with him.

“Our client was fortunate not to be killed but his personal Assistant, Adamu Manga, in the same vehicle with our client, received several machetes cut aimed at shoulder level under the supposition that our client was the one being macheted

“In the course of the unleashed attacks on our client and those with him, five persons (including one Isah Abdullahi M of Pantami Quarters Gombe) were killed; numerous vehicles were burnt and damaged.”

While the blame game was on, families of those slain during the mayhem were left to feel the pains of losing loved ones.  They died for nothing because their blood rather than bring reconciliation was further creating gap in that both governor Inuwa Yahaya and Senator Danjuma Goje are still at dagger drawn days after their demise.

* James Bwala writes from Maiduguri

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Blame Game in Gombe

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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State

A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”

Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.

“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”

He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”

Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”

He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”

He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.

“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.

“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”

Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

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Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

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Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

By: Michael Mike

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.

Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

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Edo Election: US Calls on Stakeholders to Support Electoral Processes

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Edo Election: US Calls on Stakeholders to Support Electoral Processes

By: Michael Mike

The United States Embassy has called on all stakeholders in the just ended Edo State gubernatorial election to support established electoral processes and respect legal procedures to challenge results.

A statement by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. on Tuesday on the just concluded Edo State Governorship election, read: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria commends the people of Edo State for the widely peaceful conduct of gubernatorial elections on September 21 and reiterates calls for calm following the announcement of results.

“We commend Governor Obaseki’s appeal for peace and urge all stakeholders, including INEC, to support established electoral processes and respect legal procedures to challenge results.”

The Ambassador in the statement insisted that: “Transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system.

“The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Edo Election: US Calls on Stakeholders to Support Electoral Processes

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