Politics
Ali Isah Secures Temporary Site, ₦1bn, for Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Gombe
Ali Isah Secures Temporary Site, ₦1bn, for Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Gombe
By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing the Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Ali Isah, has secured a temporary site and committed ₦1 billion to fast-track the take-off of the proposed Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Gombe State, in what he described as a deliberate move to ensure the specialist facility begins operation without waiting for the 2027 federal budget cycle.
Hon. Ali Isah disclosed the information after a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, where he said the visit was aimed at appreciating the governor for his support toward the establishment of the hospital, which he sponsored through a bill at the National Assembly and has now received presidential assent.
He explained that although a budget line had already been created for the hospital, the project was unable to secure full provision in the current federal appropriation because the programme came up after the executive had already submitted its budget proposal to the National Assembly.
According to the lawmaker, while the hospital may eventually be captured through a supplementary budget or the 2027 appropriation, he considered it too important to remain delayed by administrative timelines.
“As the member representing the constituency and the person that initiated the bill and made it happen, I feel I do not need to wait for 2027 for the hospital to take off. I put ₦1 billion through my envelope to enable the hospital to commence,” he said.
Ali Isah said beyond securing a temporary site for the immediate take-off of the hospital, Governor Inuwa Yahaya had also offered a permanent site and directed relevant state institutions, including the Ministry of Health, to support the smooth commencement of the project.
He commended the governor for what he described as a practical demonstration of commitment to healthcare development and the wellbeing of the people of Gombe State.
The lawmaker noted that the proposed Federal Orthopaedic Hospital would not only serve residents of Billiri and Balanga but would also stand as a major referral centre for patients across Gombe State, the Northeast, and the wider Northern region.
He said the hospital would help address the growing demand for specialist orthopaedic services, particularly for trauma, fractures, disability-related conditions and other bone and joint complications that often require referrals outside the region.
“The importance of the hospital is not only to my constituents. I believe this hospital will be one of the major hospitals that will serve not only the Northeast but also most parts of the northern states of this country,” he stated.
Ali Isah observed that access to quality orthopaedic care remains limited in much of Northern Nigeria, forcing many patients to travel long distances for treatment, a burden he said the new facility would help reduce significantly.
The federal lawmaker stated that, despite belonging to different political camps, his relationship with Governor Inuwa Yahaya demonstrates that governance must rise above party interests when the welfare of citizens is involved.
He stressed that collaboration between state and federal leaders remains key to delivering meaningful development and ensuring that people enjoy the true dividends of democracy.
“Governance is not solely the responsibility of one individual. I cannot be in the National Assembly and operate alone. I have to partner with my governor to ensure that my people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
He further praised the governor for maintaining an open and supportive disposition toward development-orientated projects, noting that such cooperation has made it easier for him to attract and execute projects in his constituency, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
According to him, some of the achievements recorded in his constituency were made possible because the state government provided the needed institutional support and enabling environment for implementation.
Ali Isah also acknowledged Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s wider efforts in strengthening the healthcare system in Gombe, particularly through the renovation and upgrading of regional hospitals across the state.
In light of the lingering uncertainty surrounding the crisis in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and speculations over his political future, the minority leader said consultations were still ongoing and that he would make his position known at the appropriate time.
He disclosed that political matters also featured in his discussions during the visit but declined to make any firm pronouncement for now.
“We are still discussing, we are still consulting, and as soon as possible, I will make my position clear about the crisis we are facing in the PDP and my next political step,” he said.
He, however, maintained that as one of the lawmakers involved in the passage of the country’s electoral law, he remains fully aware of the legal framework and timelines guiding political decisions.
The development has since stirred fresh interest within Gombe’s political and public space, with many observers seeing the proposed Federal Orthopaedic Hospital as both a major healthcare intervention and a strong example of how collaboration can deliver results beyond party lines.
Politics
Gombe Women Rally Behind Tinubu, APC Candidates Ahead of 2027
By Auwal Umar, Gombe
Women of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State have rallied behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s candidates, pledging to mobilise voters across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The women, drawn from the state’s 11 local government areas and 13 Local Council Development Areas, made the commitment at the Women’s Unity and Progress Summit held in Gombe, the state capital.
The summit, convened by Hajiya Zainab Jamilu Gwamna, wife of the APC governorship candidate, was held under the theme, “Stronger Voices, United Women, Greater Impact.”
It brought together APC women to discuss political participation, mentorship, empowerment and the need for greater unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mrs Gwamna urged the women to see one another as partners rather than rivals, saying collective support was essential to creating opportunities for more women, especially younger ones.
“Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your dignity matters. Your future matters,” she told the participants.
She said women should measure their success not only by their personal achievements but also by the number of people they help to succeed.
The Gombe State First Lady, Hajiya Asmau Inuwa Yahaya, called for sustained unity among women, saying cooperation would strengthen their voice and influence in issues affecting families and communities.
She urged women to share opportunities, support one another and create stronger networks capable of contributing to the development of the state.
Also speaking, Hajiya Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, emphasised the importance of mentorship.
“Your success is not complete if it ends with you,” Mrs Liman said, urging successful women to mentor others and create opportunities for them to grow.
The participants expressed confidence in their numerical strength and pledged to take the APC’s mobilisation efforts to the grassroots in support of Tinubu and other party candidates.
The summit also featured empowerment activities, with participants receiving gifts from the organisers as the APC intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.
Politics
Gombe 2027: ADC Chieftain Garkuwa Babba Joins APC, Backs Inuwa’s Senate Bid
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
A prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, popularly known as Garkuwa Babba, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, pledging his grassroots political structure to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alhaji Danjuma, a former ADC aspirant for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency and National Chairman of the ADC House of Representatives Aspirants Forum, announced his defection during a meeting with Gombe State Governor and APC leader, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in Abuja.
The meeting took place at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge and was attended by the APC governorship candidate in the state, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and a party chieftain and philanthropist, Engr Aliyu Mohammed Combat.
Alhaji Danjuma, regarded as one of the influential figures within the ADC structure in Gombe, said he would deploy his political network and grassroots supporters towards the success of the APC in the 2027 elections.
He specifically pledged to support Governor Yahaya’s senatorial ambition, Dr Gwamna’s governorship campaign and other APC candidates across the state.
Explaining his decision, the former ADC aspirant said Governor Yahaya’s leadership and development record influenced his decision to join the APC.
Alhaji Danjuma commended the governor for what he described as visible development across Gombe State, arguing that the administration’s performance had increased confidence in the APC among residents.
He said his defection was also motivated by his desire to identify with what he described as a development-focused leadership capable of sustaining stability and progress in the state.
Alhaji Danjuma added that his decision to join the APC was deliberate and aimed at contributing to the continuation of the development gains recorded under the Yahaya administration.
Receiving Alhaji Danjuma into the APC, Governor Yahaya welcomed him and his supporters, describing the defection as a significant addition to the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor expressed appreciation for the former ADC chieftain’s decision to join the APC, saying his experience, political network and grassroots influence would strengthen the party.
Governor Yahaya also reaffirmed his commitment to building an inclusive APC capable of accommodating different interests while maintaining a shared commitment to the development of Gombe State.
He urged party members and stakeholders to remain united, stressing that cohesion and collective responsibility would be critical to the APC’s success in the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party would continue to welcome individuals and political groups committed to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Gombe State.
The governor further called for loyalty and cooperation among APC members, saying the party’s strength depended on its ability to unite people with diverse political backgrounds around a common development agenda.
Politics
Gombe Group Endorses Prof Pantami, Calls for Unity Ahead of 2027
By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe
The Gombe Forward Movement Concepts (GFMC) has endorsed Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, urging political stakeholders and residents to put the interest of the state ahead of personal ambitions.
The group announced its endorsement on Sunday during its unveiling in Gombe, with its leader, Ms. Monica Yahaya Kaltho, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, stepping down from the race to support Prof. Pantami.
Ms. Kaltho said her decision was guided by the need to promote unity and work towards what she described as the greater interest of Gombe State.
GFMC described the decision as an act of political maturity, saying the movement was more concerned with the collective future of the state than individual political ambitions.
“Beyond personal ambition, this is about the future of Gombe State,” the group said in a communiqué.
The organisation said its endorsement was backed by a growing grassroots network comprising women, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders across the state.
According to GFMC, its structure stretches from the state level to local government areas, wards and polling units, which it said would support its mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 election.
The group said its activities are built around three key principles: empowering women, equipping youths and elevating communities.
GFMC said Prof. Pantami’s background in public service, education, technology and digital transformation informed its decision to support his governorship ambition.
The group expressed optimism that his experience could contribute to human capital development, innovation, economic opportunities, youth empowerment, women’s advancement and inclusive development in Gombe State.
It urged its members, supporters and other stakeholders across the state to unite behind Prof. Pantami and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
GFMC also called on residents to support what it described as a collective vision for the future of Gombe State as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum.
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