Party Condemns Alleged Assault On Councillor By Governor’s Aide

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

LEADERSHIP learned that civil society organisations (CSOs), including Amnesty International, Gombe State Network of Civil Society Organisations, have condemned the incident.

They demanded justice for the victim and called for the aide’s sack.

The viral footage showed the governor’s aide, identified as Adamu Abdullahi Danko, assaulting the councillor, Abdulrahman Abubakar.

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

The APC, in a statement yesterday, issued by its Gombe State Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, expressed deep concern over the video, stressing that it unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and unlawful conduct, describing the incident as troubling and inconsistent with the party’s values, discipline and democratic culture.

According to the statement, the party has launched a comprehensive internal investigation into the incident and has summoned the individuals involved – both members of the party – to determine the causes of the altercation to uphold accountability, safeguarding the integrity of the party and preventing a recurrence.

Kyari 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 wholly 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 involved, Adamu Danko, pending the outcome of investigations, 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. He 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 alleged to have triggered 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.