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Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe to Governor Inuwa Yahaya: Lift Motorcycle Ban, the People Are Suffering
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.
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APC Group Urges Gov. Inuwa to Field Binta Bello for Gombe South Senate in 2027
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.
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2027: Dokajin Tula Distributes 1,000 Bags of Food Items, Support Group call for Gombe Governorship Bid
By Our Political Reporter
The Chairman of Dokajin Tula Support Organization in Gombe State, Lukman Bello Usman, has commended Engineer Adamu Muhammad Ma’aji, popularly known as Dokajin Tula, for distributing over 1,000 bags of rice, sugar and other food items to residents across the state.
Lukman Bello Usman said the gesture reflects Dokajin Tula’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service and grassroots development in Gombe State.
According to him, the large-scale distribution, which benefited vulnerable households and party supporters, was aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and supporting families in need.
He noted that Engineer Adamu Muhammad Ma’aji Dokajin Tula has contributed immensely to various sectors of the economy in Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole, particularly in areas of capacity building, empowerment and community development.
The support group chairman further revealed that Dokajin Tula has been urged by his supporters to contest for the governorship of Gombe State in 2027 under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He called on the people of Gombe State to continue supporting Dokajin Tula’s vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development, stressing that the time has come for Gombe South to produce the next governor of the state.
Lukman Bello Usman maintained that Dokajin Tula’s empowerment initiatives and economic interventions demonstrate his preparedness to lead, adding that his leadership would prioritize youth development, job creation and infrastructural advancement.
Some beneficiaries of the food distribution expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. They urged him to sustain the humanitarian initiatives and formally declare his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Political observers say the development may further shape early alignments ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race in Gombe State, as stakeholders continue consultations across the three senatorial districts.
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Hamma Saleh Charges Muslims to Use Ramadan period for Prayers
By Our Correspondent
A prominent political figure in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, has congratulated Muslim faithful across the state on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, urging them to use the sacred period for prayers, peaceful coexistence and spiritual renewal.
In a goodwill message made available to journalists in Gombe, Hamma Saleh described Ramadan as a special month of mercy, forgiveness and divine blessings, calling on Muslims to seize the opportunity to seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah and intensify acts of worship.
He emphasized the importance of unity, peace and collective responsibility in advancing the development of Gombe State, noting that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of division and rancour.
“Ramadan is a sacred month that teaches patience, discipline, sacrifice and compassion. I call on all Muslim faithful in Gombe State to dedicate this period to fervent prayers for lasting peace, unity and sustainable development in our dear state,” he stated.
Hamma Saleh further urged residents to remember leaders at all levels in their prayers, asking Allah to grant them wisdom and strength to pilot the affairs of the state effectively. He also encouraged well-to-do individuals to extend hands of support to the less privileged, especially during the fasting period.
According to him, the values of love, tolerance and generosity, which Ramadan promotes, should not end with the fasting season but should be sustained throughout the year.
He prayed for Allah’s guidance, protection and abundant blessings upon the people of Gombe State and the nation at large, expressing hope that the holy month would usher in renewed hope, stability and prosperity.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community service.
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