By Our Correspondent

A prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Esq., has written an open letter to the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, appealing for the immediate lifting of the nighttime motorcycle ban currently enforced across the state.

In the letter titled “Appeal for the Lifting of the Nighttime Motorcycle Ban in Our Beloved State, Gombe”, Dantani commended Governor Yahaya’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Gombe residents but argued that the ongoing ban, which restricts motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., has become “a cure far worse than the disease it seeks to address.”

Dantani noted that while the policy was initially introduced by the Gombe State Police Command as a measure to tackle insecurity, its continued enforcement has inflicted severe economic and social hardship on law-abiding citizens. He stressed that the ban disproportionately affects the livelihoods of commercial motorcycle operators, many of whom are breadwinners sustaining their families, paying school fees, and meeting hire-purchase obligations.

“Your Excellency, with the utmost respect, the continuation of this restriction is a cure far worse than the disease it seeks to address,” the lawyer wrote. “The unintended consequences have become more severe and far-reaching, disrupting essential services and crippling economic activity, especially for those who operate motorcycles at night.”

Dantani reminded Governor Yahaya of his constitutional responsibility as the chief security officer of the state, citing Section 14 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which declares the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government. He also referenced legal precedents such as Bariga-Amange v. Adumen (2016) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1530) 349, which underscores the balance between security and the welfare of citizens.

The rights activist criticized the rationale that the restriction would reduce mobile phone theft, arguing that criminals can easily switch to other means of transportation such as tricycles or private vehicles.

“Blanket policies that punish law-abiding citizens alongside criminals cannot address the root causes of insecurity,” he warned.

Citing the experiences of neighboring states like Borno and Yobe, where similar bans were either ineffective or later lifted due to economic hardship, Dantani urged the Gombe State Government not to ignore the lessons learned from such measures.

The lawyer further highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the ban, pointing out that hospital workers, food vendors, traders, and religious leaders have all been adversely affected. He noted that even some police officers tasked with enforcing the policy have faced transportation challenges.

“This is a democracy, and the people—the market woman, the night-time nurse, the okada rider, and the student walking home after evening prayers—bear the brunt of this decision. They are groaning under hardship and calling upon your compassionate leadership,” he said.

Concluding his appeal, Dantani called on Governor Yahaya to reconsider the policy in the interest of fairness and progress:

“Let reason prevail. Let the voices of the people be heard. Let Gombe continue its march towards prosperity, unhindered by measures that inadvertently punish the people they are meant to protect.”

The letter, which is already circulating widely among Gombe residents, has sparked fresh debate on the effectiveness and fairness of the nighttime motorcycle ban. Many residents have echoed Dantani’s sentiments, calling on the government to adopt more targeted and intelligence-driven security measures rather than blanket restrictions.

By Our Political Reporter

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Comrade Muhammad Kabiru (popularly known as K. Bature), has openly criticized Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration over the continued ban on motorcycle operations from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state.

Comrade Bature, a grassroots mobilizer from Funakaye Local Government Area, expressed disappointment with the policy, describing it as a major contributor to economic stagnation, rising poverty, and social frustration in the state.

“I mobilized people to vote for Governor Inuwa Yahaya. They voted because of me. But I cannot support this motorcycle ban. It is not in the interest of the people,” he said.

According to Bature, the restriction on motorcycles — popularly known as achaba — has crippled night-time economic activities, especially in Gombe metropolis, where thousands depend on commercial motorcycle operations for daily sustenance.

“This policy has pushed countless families into hardship. It directly and indirectly affects homes, breadwinners, and small businesses. Since this ban was introduced, Gombe State has lost no less than N100 million in economic value,” he stated.

He called on Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the Gombe State Commissioner of Police to immediately reconsider the policy, warning that the voices of the people must not be ignored in a democratic system.

“People are saying terrible things about our government because of this. We must listen to them. This is a democracy. We were voted in by the people, and we will soon return to ask for their votes again. Let us lead by example,” Bature added.

The motorcycle restriction was initially introduced as a security measure, but critics argue that it has outlived its purpose and is now doing more harm than good. Comrade Bature’s strong words reflect growing dissatisfaction even within the ruling party’s ranks.

As 2027 edges closer, political observers say such dissenting voices from within the APC could signal broader frustrations that the administration must address if it hopes to retain power.

By Our Correspondent

In a strongly-worded public letter addressed to the Speaker and Honourable Members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, concerned citizen Ahmed Shuaibu Gara has called on the lawmakers to rise in defence of the people over the ongoing motorcycle movement restriction in the state.

Gara, a vocal commentator on public affairs in Gombe, expressed his disappointment over Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s recent media chat, during which the Governor reportedly failed to address growing concerns about the controversial motorcycle ban.

“I was excited when I heard His Excellency would be holding his usual media chat,” Gara wrote. “I hoped he would announce a review or lifting of the restriction. But to say the least, the citizens were disappointed, judging by post-chat comments and feedback.”

According to Gara, the Governor distanced himself from the restriction, insisting that the order was issued by the Gombe State Commissioner of Police. However, Gara challenged this position, citing unnamed senior police officers from the Louis Edet House in Abuja who affirmed that a state governor has the constitutional power to override such emergency orders.

“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, our people have no choice but to turn to you for salvation,” Gara pleaded. “You have the power to make laws and oversight functions over anything that affects the people of Gombe State. It is time for you to activate your mandate.”

In his letter, Gara also took a swipe at the House of Assembly for what he described as “an unprecedented act” when the lawmakers recently passed a vote of confidence on Governor Yahaya and physically delivered the resolution to him at the Government House. He described the gesture as one that undermined the principle of separation of powers and legislative independence.

“If you can go that far to deliver a resolution of confidence, then you can also pass a resolution calling for an end to the suffering of the people,” he said. “Take that resolution to the Government House, too. That will show your seriousness.”

He urged the Assembly to go a step further by holding a public hearing involving key stakeholders such as the Executive, Nigerian Police, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the media, and political groups. He insisted that a clear, actionable resolution should be produced, gazetted, and directed for implementation—within a week.

“The people of Gombe are suffering,” he said. “You cannot pretend as if you don’t live here. This is the time to show courage, leadership, and commitment to your oath of office.”

He concluded with a prayer: “I have done my part by reminding you. May God touch your innermost conscience to do the right thing in the interest of the people of Gombe State. Ameen.”

Gara’s open letter comes amid growing public frustration over the prolonged restriction of motorcycle movements in Gombe, which many residents rely on for daily transportation and livelihood. With both the state government and the police denying responsibility, the people appear to be caught in a policy limbo — one that only decisive legislative intervention may resolve.