Even though Gombe State is today controlled by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), the people seems set to vote for the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and other PDP candidates especially those of the national and state assemblies. From afar, one may not notice the systemic political style of the people of the jewel state unless one pays a close attention to it.
At the just concluded national youth conference of one of the largest churches in Africa, the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA in Kaltungo, Gombe State, the situation exposed itself so clearly with the people singing the praises of the opposition more than those of the ruling party which has held sway in the last almost 4 years.
The last administration of Governor Dankwambo could not be forgotten in a hurry by the people. Even though the people did not look down on the current administration of Governor Inuwa, but the long held memories of the PDP in the state could not just vanish away. Obviously, one could feel the vibes of former Governor Danjuma Goje who ruled the state for 8 years under the PDP and also served as Minister for 4 years. Goje left the PDP for the APC and became a Senator under the ruling party but yet, the spirit of the PDP is so strong and strongly atikulated in them that they are bent to deliver the latter in the coming elections.
Atiku seems to be a strong ally of the people of Gombe that at the venue of the youth conference in Kaltungo, it was a rousing welcome for his high powered delegation led by no other but the former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, the Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara. Among the delegation led by Dogara were the immediate past member of the House of Representatives who represented Ballanga/Billiri Federal constituency of Gombe and the current PDP candidate for the same office in next week’s election, Hon Dr Ali JC, Senator Idris Umar former Transport Minister,former deputy minority Whip, Rt Hon Binta Fatima Bello, Rt Hon Jagaba Adams Jagaba, Hon Albert Atiwurche, former Plateau State Speaker, Ayuba Abok, Hon Hassan Ahmadu, Hon Ahmed Yayari the PDP national treasurer, Generals Ishaya Bauka and AA Kwaskebe and many others including yours sincerely who were but excited with the level of hospitality and acceptance of the message that was brought. Former ECWA President Rev Dr Jeremiah Gado was also personally there to witness the occasion. The youth and elders of the church were so excited about the message of hope delivered on behalf of Atiku and his vice presidential hopeful,Ifeany Okowa that the ground almost became uncontrollable.
But it was a simple message of hope for the nation and the desire to bring back the nation’s lost glory. Dogara reeled out why Atiku remains the best choice among those who are eyeing the exalted office of the president and why the nation needs him at this time. He said being the former vice president vice president of the nation who served meritoriously for 8 years with visible records of huge achievements, the former VeePee stands tallest among others due to his experience, visibility and international political cloud in the country. He said being a detribalised leader, Atiku has demonstrated capacity and ability severally through his life and what he does to add value to humanity be it politics, business, manufacturing, academics, etc.
Not only did the people of Gombe and the conference participants drawn from across the nation and nearby countries like Cameroon appreciates Atiku for his valuable contributions to the northern Christians and the northern church, the participants equally poured encomiums on the candidate of the Ballanga/ Billiri Federal Constituency, Dr JC Ali for his examplary support and contributions to Christians and the church within the constituency. His achievements were read to the admiration of participants which include the building and furnishing of a number of churches in the 2 local governments, construction of classes at the Bible College Kufai-Billiri, construction of classes at the Buba Isa School Talasse, support for trainee Pastors, securing of job opportunities for both Christians and Muslims and various forms of scholarships for the needy.
And because of this ,the good people of the constituency are anxiously waiting to return their illustrious son, Hon Dr Ali JC to the green chambers of the national assembly come next week to continue from where he stopped in 2019. JC Ali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represented the constituency between 2015 – 2019 and achieved so much for them that they want to feel him again.
Even out of office, JC Ali continue to surprise them with many projects that even the state government of Gombe are thrilled.
Recently, he commissioned a 3-bedroom luxury residence at the palace of his royal highness the Mai Tangle, precisely on Saturday, December 18, 2021.
In the words of JC Ali,”I pushed for the construction of this new residence when I was privileged to be a Member of the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. I was sad to see that the palaces of the Royal Fathers in the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, which I represented, were getting dilapidated and with this concern in my mind, I pushed for their inclusion in the federal budget as part of my constituency projects. And not only that, I also firmly pursued its implementation even after leaving office in June 2019, and here we are today commissioning it’.
Is it road projects, electrification of the rural communities, construction of schools and health centres? Is it the empowerment of women and youth? Drilling of boreholes and solar lights for the people? This young parliamentarian has achieved so much for his people that they want him back. Being a detribalised politician, he has related very well across ethnic, tribal, religious and political divides which always provided a huge support base for him. As the nation votes in new leaders come next week, the story of the return of JC Ali to the nation’s apex legislature will be stamped by God’s grace.
