By Our Correspondent

Senate President says the cross-party turnout at the Gombe Emir’s Palace is a lesson in unity and tolerance

GOMBE, Nigeria — July 27, 2025: President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday lauded Gombe State’s political class for what he described as an uncommon display of maturity, unity and tolerance at the wedding of the daughter of Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former governor of the state.

Speaking at the colourful ceremony held at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, Akpabio marveled at the presence of over 70 serving senators drawn from across party lines, calling the turnout a powerful endorsement of Senator Dankwambo’s bridge-building persona and of Gombe’s welcoming political climate.

Akpabio singled out Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for praise, applauding his “statesmanship, sportsmanship and open-handed hospitality” in receiving dignitaries from across Nigeria irrespective of partisan affiliations — a gesture he described as rare in today’s political environment.

Also addressing guests, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, commended Governor Yahaya for nurturing peace and political cohesion in the state. He said the marriage symbolised unity, noting that the union of families across different political backgrounds mirrors Nigeria’s broader aspiration to bridge political, ethnic and religious divides.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki similarly hailed Governor Yahaya’s leadership style, highlighting his willingness to celebrate colleagues’ successes across party boundaries. Such conduct, Saraki noted, is essential for consolidating Nigeria’s democratic culture.

Welcoming the high-profile guests, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described Gombe as a state anchored on harmony, mutual respect and inclusivity. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and development for all residents, regardless of political, ethnic or religious leanings.

Giving the vote of thanks, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (PDP–Gombe North) expressed profound gratitude to Governor Yahaya for his unwavering support and friendship. He also thanked the dignitaries who travelled from far and wide to honour his family.

A Roll Call of Heavyweights

The event drew a formidable lineup of political leaders and national figures, including:

Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali

Former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Lawan

Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, former governor of Gombe State

Former PDP National Chairman Ahmed Mu’azu

Former Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido

Over seventy serving senators and numerous other top political figures

Unity Beyond Partisanship

Saturday’s ceremony effectively transformed the Gombe Emir’s Palace into a national political crossroads, showcasing a rare tableau of bipartisan camaraderie at a time when political tensions frequently dominate headlines. Observers noted that the convivial atmosphere underscored the personal relationships and institutional respect that can—and should—transcend party lines.

With messages of unity echoed by speakers across the aisle, the ceremony doubled as both a family celebration and a public lesson in political civility—one that, according to Akpabio and others, Nigeria’s political class would do well to replicate beyond the wedding arena.