APC Condemns Assault By Gombe Governor’s Aide On Councillor

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has condemned an assault involving an aide to the Gombe State governor attached to the Office of the Chief of Staff and a serving councillor in a viral video that sparked widespread public outrage.

LEADERSHIP gathered that civil society organisations, including Amnesty International, Gombe State Network of Civil Society organisations, have condemned the alleged assault by the aide, demanding justice and calling for his sacking.

A viral footage showed one of Gombe governor’s aides, attached to the Chief of Staff, identified as Adamu Abdullahi Danko, assaulting the helpless councillor, Abdulrahman Abubakar.

The human rights organisation also described the assault as outrageous and a reflection of the wider and increasing impunity and repression by officials of the state government.

The APC, in a statement on Tuesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, expressed deep concern over the video, stressing that the party unequivocally condemned all forms of violence and unlawful conduct.

The party described the incident as troubling and inconsistent with the party’s values, discipline and democratic culture.

Kyari stated that the party has launched a comprehensive internal investigation into the incident and has summoned the individuals involved to determine the causes of the altercation, thereby upholding accountability, safeguarding the party’s integrity, and preventing a recurrence.

The State party spokesman stressed that the action captured in the viral video was carried out solely at the individual’s discretion, without any instruction, approval or authorisation from the party or any government office, adding that taking the law into one’s hands is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The APC also commended the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, for his swift decision to suspend the aide, Adamu Danko, pending the outcome of the investigation, describing the move as a clear demonstration of commitment to discipline and justice.

The party’s spokesman assured the general public that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, guided by the APC constitution, relevant laws and established procedures.

Kyari noted that the probe would examine all material facts surrounding the incident, including the circumstances leading up to it and a review of an audio message allegedly triggering the altercation.

The party further reassured the public, human rights organisations and other stakeholders of its commitment to accountability, due process and the rule of law, adding that any individual found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with party rules and the law.