By Our Correspondent

In a bold and emotional public address, a prominent public affairs commentator and political analyst, Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has called on the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, to lift the ongoing restriction on motorcycle (okada) movement in the state, describing it as a policy that has brought untold hardship to the masses.

Speaking at the wedding ceremony of their family member, ARC Yunusa Yakubu, Gara Gombe didn’t mince words as he challenged the governor to take responsibility for the controversial order that has lasted over six weeks.

“Your Excellency, let’s put government titles aside. You are like an elder brother to me, and if I don’t tell you the truth, I’ve betrayed you. I don’t speak for worldly gain—I speak with sincerity, between me and Allah,” said Gara Gombe.

He expressed concern over conflicting narratives surrounding the ban. He noted that while a police Imam during a Friday sermon at the Fire Service Mosque claimed the directive was from the government, the Governor had, during a fertilizer distribution event, distanced himself from the decision, saying it was the Commissioner of Police who initiated it.

Gara Gombe highlighted ten key reasons why the ban should be reviewed or completely lifted:

1. Democratic Responsibility

“The people of Gombe elected you, not the Commissioner of Police,” he said, emphasizing that the governor remains the Chief Security Officer of the state and must act in the interest of the people.

2. Security vs. Governance

While the ban was introduced following the murder of their brother, Amadi Kasiran, and possibly helped in initial investigations, Gara Gombe questioned the continued enforcement. “There are reports that the killers have been arrested. If the objective has been achieved, why keep punishing innocent citizens?” he asked.

3. Unmet Objectives

He noted that whatever goals were intended by the ban should have been achieved within six weeks. “If not by now, then likely never,” he added.

4. Economic Hardship

Many motorcycle operators rely on daily income to feed their families. Those working morning shifts can’t find transport for evening jobs due to the restriction.

5. Hire Purchase Crisis

A large number of motorcycles were acquired through hire purchase agreements. With reduced income, operators are defaulting on payments, and many bikes have been seized.

6. Education Impact

Some riders use their income to pay their own school fees or their children’s. The ban threatens the future of many households.

7. Inter-State Migration

Due to similar bans in neighboring states, many riders moved to Gombe to continue their trade. This migration was partly responsible for Gombe earning top recognition in Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. The policy now threatens that success.

8. Night-Time Transport Crisis

Essential workers including health staff, food vendors, and shop owners struggle to find transport after 6 p.m. The city virtually shuts down, which affects both the economy and access to healthcare.

9. Religious Activities Affected

Evening religious classes, prayers, and maintenance of mosques have been affected as Imams, Muazzins, and volunteers can’t reach their places of worship due to the ban.

10. Public Confusion

With both the government and police trading blame, the people are left confused, and there’s no clear leadership on the issue.

Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe appealed directly to the governor with a heartfelt plea:

“For the sake of Allah and His Messenger, I beg you to lift or relax this motorcycle ban. Or at least, instruct the Commissioner of Police to do so. The people are suffering.”

This appeal comes as tensions grow across Gombe, with increasing calls from civil society, business owners, and ordinary citizens urging the government to reconsider the policy.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Gombe State Government or the State Police Command regarding the plea.

By Our Political Reporter

As political tension builds ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, renowned engineer and governorship hopeful, Engineer Aliyu Muhammad Kombat, has issued a public appeal to his supporters, urging them to maintain civility and decorum, especially on social media.

In a statement titled “Sanarwa Ta Musamman” (Special Announcement), Kombat expressed profound gratitude to his growing base of supporters who have been calling on him to enter the race for the governorship. He acknowledged their encouragement and loyalty, noting that their show of support continues to inspire him.

However, he raised concern over the conduct of some political enthusiasts online. Without mentioning names, Kombat cautioned his followers against the rising trend of personal attacks, insults, and online abuse targeting rival aspirants.

“Without mincing words, if you truly love and support me, I do not want to hear or see any of you insulting another aspirant — whether through mockery, slander, or indecent language on social media,” he stated.

He emphasized that his political movement stands for respect, discipline, and visionary leadership, adding that anyone who cannot uphold these values has no place within the group.

“Our mission is to build, not destroy; to empower, not to insult. The leadership we hope to offer must begin with how we conduct ourselves — even before the official campaign season begins,” he added.

Kombat’s appeal comes amid heightened political activity across Gombe State, with various aspirants jostling for attention and online platforms becoming toxic arenas of political warfare.

Observers believe Kombat’s intervention is both timely and commendable, especially in an era where political discourse is increasingly dominated by hate speech and misinformation.

Political analysts and civil society organizations in the state have applauded the move, describing it as a step toward promoting issue-based campaigns and restoring sanity in the political space.

Engineer Kombat concluded his message by once again thanking his supporters and encouraging them to stay focused, morally upright, and committed to the values of dignity and progress as the journey toward 2027 begins.

About Engineer Kombat:
Engineer Aliyu Muhammad Kombat is a respected public servant and grassroots mobilizer with a background in engineering and leadership. He is known for his ethical stance in politics and commitment to youth empowerment and development in Gombe State.

By Our Correspondent

Prominent international businessman and traditional title holder, Alhaji Usman Bello, the Sa’in Gombe, has commended the role of traditional institutions in fostering peace, unity, and cultural preservation in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Gombe, Alhaji Bello emphasized that traditional rulers remain vital pillars of stability, particularly in multi-ethnic societies. He praised the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who also serves as the Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, for consistently creating an enabling environment that allows citizens within and outside the state to celebrate their rich cultural heritage during festivals.

> “Our traditional leaders play significant roles in peacebuilding and cultural preservation,” Bello said. “I sincerely appreciate the Emir of Gombe for his fatherly leadership and for always supporting initiatives that unite our people.”

Commends Progress Since Gombe’s Creation

Reflecting on the development trajectory of Gombe State, the Sa’in Gombe acknowledged the progress made since the state’s creation on October 1, 1996, by the late General Sani Abacha. He lauded successive governors for their contributions to the state’s transformation.

> “Gombe has developed rapidly in a short period because of visionary leadership at all levels. I thank all past and present governors for their commitment to the state’s growth,” he added.

Call for Prayers and Unity

Alhaji Bello urged citizens to continue praying for leaders at all levels, emphasizing that good governance is only possible in an atmosphere of peace, support, and divine guidance.

> “We must keep praying for our leaders and remain united. When we support them with prayers and positive actions, they are more likely to deliver on their mandates,” he said.

Push for Agricultural Investment and Industrial Growth

As a global entrepreneur with business interests across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Sa’in Gombe called on both government and private investors to prioritize agriculture and industrial development in the country. He noted that investing in agriculture could create millions of jobs for Nigerian youths and women while boosting food security and export earnings.

> “Agriculture remains Nigeria’s greatest asset. If we invest in large-scale farming and agro-processing industries, we can empower our youths, reduce unemployment, and revive the economy,” he stressed.

He further disclosed that his international experience in countries such as Germany and other parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa has exposed him to innovative agricultural and industrial models that can be adapted to Nigeria’s context.

> “From Germany to Malaysia, Ghana to Turkey, I have seen how agriculture and small-scale industries can transform a nation. Nigeria has the land, the people, and the potential—we just need the will and investment,” he concluded.

Conclusion

The Sa’in Gombe’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the critical role traditional institutions, strategic leadership, and global partnerships play in state and national development. As Gombe continues to position itself as a center of peace and growth in the North-East, voices like Alhaji Usman Bello’s add valuable insight to the conversation on how best to harness local and global opportunities for collective progress.