Gombe Governor Tours Damaged Facilities, Promises Stability Amidst Unrest
….Directs SEMA to Assess Level of Destruction, Assures of Government’s Suppor
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya undertook a tour of several damaged facilities in Gombe metropolis to assess the destruction caused by a violent protest.
Governor Yahaya, while speaking at the Gombe main market, expressed his deep concern over the widespread damage to both public and private properties.
He assured residents of the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
“I have gone around to personally assess the extensive damage caused by the violent protest. From what I have seen, the destruction is enormous. Not just public facilities; businesses were also affected,” the governor lamented.
He stressed the importance of preserving Gombe’s reputation for peace, urging against actions that threaten the state’s stability.
“Gombe is known for its peace, and we must preserve it. We cannot allow actions that threaten our stability. We have no state other than Gombe.
“We understand that there are challenges and hardships in the land, but we must not resort to violence and destruction of our state to express our feelings or concerns,” the governor emphasised.
Governor Yahaya clarified that while the government supports the right to peaceful protest, the violence seen contradicts democratic principles and is unacceptable.
“Let me make it clear: we are not against peaceful protest. We know that democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s event contradicted democratic principles and violated the law.
“We are ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are ready to give protesters the maximum protection to exercise their constitutional rights once they follow the laid-down rules. What we cannot allow, let me re-emphasise, is the breakdown of law and order,” the governor asserted.
He urged residents to resume their normal activities, assuring them of safety and security.
“I urge everyone to resume their daily activities; farmers should return to their farms, and business owners should reopen their shops. No one should panic. We assure you of safety and security.”
Governor Yahaya disclosed his decision against imposing a curfew to avoid further hardships for the populace.
He also praised the swift and professional response of the security agencies to contain the violence in the State.
