By Our Correspondent

One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, has joined Nigerians and the people of Gombe State in celebrating the 66th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Gombe State.

In a goodwill message marking the twin celebrations, Hamma Saleh congratulated the people of Gombe State and Nigerians, describing the anniversaries as important moments to reflect on the journey, achievements and aspirations of the country and the state.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, while Gombe State was created on October 1, 1996, from the then Bauchi State. The two milestones therefore coincide on the same date, giving the people of Gombe an additional reason to celebrate.

Hamma Saleh extended his warm greetings to residents across the 11 Local Government Areas of Gombe State, as well as Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, wishing them peace, progress, unity and prosperity.

He said the occasion should serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility of citizens to contribute positively to the development of their communities and the nation.

The PDP governorship figure also called on his supporters and political associates to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding citizens, urging them to conduct themselves responsibly and respect constituted authorities.

He stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, particularly at a time when political activities are gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, political differences should not be allowed to undermine the unity, peace and development of Gombe State.

Hamma Saleh urged his supporters to continue to engage in politics with maturity and respect for one another, while avoiding actions or statements capable of creating tension among citizens.

He further called on the people of Gombe State to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to peace, unity and collective development, saying the progress of the state requires the contribution of all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.

The message comes as Gombe State marks three decades since its creation. The state government records October 1, 1996, as the date Gombe State was established, with the state subsequently developing into one of the key administrative and commercial centres of North-East Nigeria.

Hamma Saleh concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and the people of Gombe State a happy 30th anniversary, while praying for continued peace, stability and prosperity across the state and the country.

“Happy Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians and happy 30th anniversary to the good people of Gombe State,” he said, while encouraging citizens and his supporters to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding.

By Our Political Reporter, Gombe

The North East chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone E, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently appoint Abdulkadir Muhammed Wazirin Akko as Nigeria’s Minister of Transport, citing competence, loyalty, and strategic leadership as key reasons.

In a press statement issued by its Coordinator, Comrade Mu’azu Hina, the student body expressed concern over the continued vacancy in the Ministry of Transport, describing the situation as one that requires immediate and decisive intervention.

According to NANS, the transport sector remains vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, trade facilitation, and national cohesion, warning that any delay in leadership appointment could hinder progress in the sector.

The association reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration’s emphasis on competence and national rebirth should guide the selection process.

NANS specifically endorsed Wazirin Akko, describing him as a seasoned technocrat with extensive administrative experience, having served both as a Commissioner and a Permanent Secretary.

“His track record reflects a unique combination of professional competence, grassroots political strength, and unwavering loyalty to the present administration,” the statement said.

The group further argued that appointing Wazirin Akko would not only strengthen governance in the transport sector but also promote political inclusion, particularly for the North East region, which it said has consistently demonstrated commitment to national unity.

NANS stressed that the appointment should go beyond routine political considerations, urging the President to prioritize merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.

The student body also warned that failure to make a timely and strategic appointment could slow down ongoing reforms and undermine the principle of rewarding dedication and competence in public service.

Reaffirming its role as a watchdog, NANS stated that it would continue to advocate for policies and decisions that align with fairness, national interest, and effective governance.

By Our Political Reporter

A support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State has called on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the leadership of the party in the state to consider Hajiya Dr. Fatima Binta Bello as the party’s senatorial candidate for Gombe South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

The appeal was made during a meeting held in Kalmai Ward, Billiri LGA, where members drawn from the 10 wards of the local government gathered to deliberate on the political future of the zone.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the group, Umar Adamu, alongside other prominent members including Hon. Mela Hamma (Igwe), Ibrahim Manu, Bushura Muhammad, Ishaya Sambo, Ruth Hassan Haruna, Christopher Muhammad and Hon. Haris Muhammad Tanko, said the call was based on Dr. Bello’s track record of service and performance in various public offices.

The group noted that Dr. Fatima Binta Bello had served meritoriously as a commissioner, member representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, and currently as the Executive Chairperson of Shongom Local Government Council. According to them, her experience and grassroots connection position her as a strong contender capable of delivering victory for the APC in Gombe South.

“We believe that bringing Hajiya Dr. Fatima Binta Bello as the APC senatorial candidate in 2027 is the only viable solution for consolidating the party’s strength in Gombe South. Her popularity and achievements will give the APC a landslide victory in the district,” the group stated.

They further appealed to Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the state leadership of the APC to carefully consider their request in the interest of party unity, inclusiveness, and sustained development in the senatorial zone.

The meeting ended with a pledge by members of the support group to mobilize at the grassroots level across Billiri and the wider Gombe South Senatorial District in support of the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.

The call adds to the growing political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders across Gombe State begin early consultations and strategic alignments.