By Our Political Reporter

From the banking halls to the boardrooms of major corporations, and from public service to the forefront of Gombe State politics, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna has built a career that has earned him recognition as one of the state’s most accomplished personalities.

Widely known by his traditional title, Sardaunan Gombe, Dr. Gwamna combines experience in economics, business leadership, public administration, philanthropy and politics.

Born on December 5, 1965, in Gombe, he began his educational journey before gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Driven by a passion for economic development, he furthered his education at the London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, earning a Master’s degree in Business Economics and Finance and later a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics.

His professional career began in the banking industry with the Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry, where he gained valuable experience in finance and investment. He later served as the Chief Finance Officer of Kaduna Aluminium Company, one of Nigeria’s leading industrial establishments at the time.

Dr. Gwamna also ventured into private business by establishing Amstrade Ventures Limited, expanding his footprint in the Nigerian business community.

His transition into public service saw him appointed Chairman of the Gombe State Water Board in 1999, where he contributed to improving water supply management in the state. In 2013, he was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), overseeing one of the country’s major electricity distribution firms during a critical period in the power sector.

In politics, Dr. Gwamna has remained an influential figure in Gombe State. Over the years, he has contested for the governorship, maintaining a strong presence in the state’s political landscape. In 2026, he emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, once again seeking the mandate of the people.

Beyond politics and business, Dr. Gwamna is widely acknowledged for his philanthropic activities. He has supported educational programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, women’s development projects and humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the lives of less privileged members of society.

Many residents describe him as a leader whose contributions extend beyond political ambition, citing his commitment to community development and economic empowerment.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna remains a prominent figure whose experience in business, governance and public service continues to shape discussions about the future of Gombe State.

For many, the title Sardaunan Gombe represents not only a traditional honour but also a legacy of leadership, service and commitment to the development of Gombe State and its people.

By our Correspondent 

A retired Assistant Director of Nigeria’s Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, says the appointment of Isa Pantami as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari raised national security concerns and exposed weaknesses in the country’s security vetting process.

Amachree made the remarks in his newly released memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, where he reflected on the controversy that followed the resurfacing of Pantami’s past sermons and public statements in 2021.

According to the retired intelligence officer, the controversy prompted questions about how an individual overseeing Nigeria’s critical telecommunications and digital infrastructure passed through the nation’s security screening process.

He explained that the DSS carries out comprehensive background checks on nominees for sensitive public offices, examining past affiliations, public speeches, academic records, political leanings, associations and online activities before submitting intelligence reports to the President and, where necessary, the National Assembly.

Amachree, however, noted that the agency’s role is strictly advisory. While stating that he could not confirm the contents of Pantami’s security report, he said it was difficult to believe that the minister’s previous public statements would have escaped the attention of intelligence officers.

He suggested that political considerations may have outweighed security recommendations, adding that the episode reflected what he described as the politicisation of intelligence.

Amachree also recalled that the Senate had stated it received no adverse security report before confirming Pantami’s nomination. He said this leaves two possibilities: either any negative findings were removed before reaching lawmakers, or they were ignored for political reasons.

He argued that the controversy weakened public confidence in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly as the government continued its fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP while defending the appointment of an official whose past statements had come under scrutiny.

Amachree concluded that the Pantami episode should serve as a cautionary lesson for future administrations, calling for greater respect for intelligence assessments and stronger safeguards to insulate national security decisions from political interference.

End

Aliyu Kombat Declares Total Support for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna’s Governorship Bid

By Our Political Reporter

Engineer Aliyu Mohammed Kombat has officially declared his support for the governorship ambition of Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna, describing him as a visionary leader with the capacity to transform Gombe State.

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Kombat said his decision followed a series of consultations and meetings held with Dr. Gwamna, during which he carefully examined the aspirant’s vision, policies and development agenda for the state.

According to him, the discussions convinced him that Dr. Gwamna possesses a clear roadmap for the development of Gombe State and is committed to improving the welfare of its people.

Kombat stated that Dr. Gwamna’s plans focus on expanding infrastructure, empowering communities, creating educational opportunities, equipping young people with vocational skills, and improving the overall standard of living across the state.

He noted that these objectives align with his own aspiration for a more prosperous and progressive Gombe State.

“After extensive discussions and careful assessment of his vision and programmes, we are convinced that Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna has the leadership qualities, commitment and developmental agenda needed to move Gombe State forward,” he said.

Based on this conviction, Kombat formally announced his endorsement of Dr. Gwamna’s governorship aspiration and pledged his full support ahead of the next gubernatorial election.

He also called on his supporters, political associates, friends and the people of Gombe State to unite behind Dr. Gwamna by supporting and voting for him, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring sustainable development and good governance.

Kombat expressed appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty, trust and cooperation, assuring them that he would continue to uphold the confidence they have placed in him.

He concluded by praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings throughout the political journey, asking for success and what is best for the people of Gombe State.

The endorsement is expected to strengthen Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna’s political support base as preparations intensify ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Gombe State.