Gov Yahaya Warns Politicians Against Violence Ahead Of Primaries

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has cautioned politicians and their supporters against violence and any actions capable of undermining peace in the state ahead of the forthcoming primary elections.

The governor, in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, said the decision followed disagreements among some aspirants despite efforts by the APC Elders’ Committee and the party’s State Executive Committee to build consensus around endorsed candidates.

“Some weeks ago, with the support of the APC Elders’ Committee and the State Executive Committee, we in the APC made a spirited attempt to explore the consensus option,” the governor said.

LEADERSHIP reports that the former minister of communication and digital economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami has rejected the consensus arrangement which favoured Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna.

Similarly, the senator representing Gombe Central District, Muhammadu Danjuma Goje, protested the arrangement that ousted him after barely 16 years of representation.

Governor Yahaya said the party would now proceed with direct primaries in accordance with Section 87(2) of the Electoral Act.

The governor, who said he would enter the final year of his administration on May 29, noted that preserving peace and stability in the state remained his top priority as political activities intensify.

Yahaya said the conduct of party primaries was critical because of its implications for democracy, social cohesion and internal stability in the state.

He warned that security agencies would not tolerate attempts by politicians or their supporters to exploit the primaries to foment trouble.

“Like in every electoral contest, there are unpatriotic politicians and conflict entrepreneurs who seek to hide behind the upcoming primary elections to stoke chaos and conflict,” he said.

The governor further warned that anyone found culpable in disrupting public peace before, during or after the primaries would face the full weight of the law.

He also called on political stakeholders to put the interest of the state above personal ambitions, reminding residents that Gombe had remained relatively peaceful since its creation in 1996 despite security challenges confronting parts of the North-East.