By Danjuma Lamido
The recent publication by Sahara Reporters titled “Take-It-Back Demands Probe Of Increasing Rights Violations In Gombe Under Governor Yahaya” is a classic case of alarmism built on conjecture rather than facts. The Take It Back Movement (TIB) clearly goofed by raising a false alarm about an alleged “disturbing pattern of human rights violations and political repression in Gombe State under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.”
For the avoidance of doubt, Gombe State over the past seven years has remained one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. This peace and stability have not happened by accident; they are the product of deliberate policies, inclusive governance, and a firm commitment to law and order. It is precisely this peaceful atmosphere that has encouraged investors to troop into the state, exploring and harnessing the many investment opportunities across agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure development. A state allegedly enmeshed in repression and rights abuses would hardly enjoy such growing investor confidence.
It is therefore troubling that the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Mr Juwon Sanyaolu, who is based in Lagos and far removed from the everyday realities of Gombe, would issue such a malicious statement, alleging that “violations include violent attacks, unlawful arrests, and prolonged detentions of individuals who expressed dissent or criticised the state government.” These claims are sweeping, inflammatory, and, most importantly, unsupported by concrete evidence.
On the recent viral video showing the brutal assault of a serving councillor of Shamaki Ward, Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff, allegedly by a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, it is dishonest to weaponise an isolated incident for political propaganda.
The Gombe State Government has not swept the matter under the carpet. Internal processes were immediately activated, appropriate disciplinary steps taken, and lawful investigations commenced. This response clearly demonstrates a system that recognises accountability, not one that condones abuse.
It is, therefore, a big lie for TIB to claim that “the disturbing revelations of gross human rights violations taking place in Gombe State must be investigated transparently and effectively to ensure justice for all victims.”
There is no pattern, no policy, and no institutionalised practice of rights violations in Gombe State. What exists is a functioning government that addresses complaints and isolated misconduct through established legal and administrative channels.
Equally false is the suggestion that there is a systematic attempt to suppress freedom of association and expression in Gombe State. Nothing could be further from the truth. The state remains open to diverse opinions, political activities, and civil engagement.
If TIB insists otherwise, it should be challenged to present concrete evidence that individuals who express legitimate dissent or opposition in the state are routinely harassed, assaulted, or detained. Assertions without proof remain nothing more than propaganda.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is certainly not running a reign of brutal assaults as mischievously portrayed by TIB. On the contrary, every complaint and petition submitted to the Governor or the state government has never been ignored but acted upon in line with due process. This record of responsiveness contradicts the image of tyranny being painted by external critics.
Furthermore, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is arguably one of the most media-friendly governors in the country. The media operates freely in Gombe State, and critical voices are neither silenced nor suppressed. A government hostile to press freedom would not tolerate the level of media scrutiny currently seen in the state.
There is also no “trend of political violence posing a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in Gombe State,” as claimed by TIB. Elections, political activities, and civic engagements continue to take place in a largely peaceful environment, further reinforcing the state’s reputation for stability.
I therefore call on the good people of Gombe State to remain calm, peaceful, and confident in the positive path the state continues to tread. They should ignore the biased and misleading statements of the Take It Back Movement and others who seek to score political points by distorting reality. Gombe State’s story is one of peace, progress, and accountable governance, and no amount of false alarm can change that truth.
Danjuma Lamido writes from Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State. danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
