Gombe Not a Theatre of Repression – Government Rebuts TIB Allegations

By Ismailia Uba Misilli

The attention of the Gombe State Government has again been drawn to a statement credited to the Take-It -Back Movement (TIB), published by some online media outlets, in which unfounded and misleading allegations were made against the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

For the umpteenth time, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
First, Gombe State is peaceful. Its people are peace-loving, tolerant and law-abiding, and no amount of external provocation or political grandstanding can erase that deeply rooted culture.
Those who live and work in Gombe, as well as security agencies, journalists and independent observers, can attest to this reality.

Claims of “increasing violence” or a “culture of impunity” in Gombe are grossly exaggerated, inaccurate and unsupported by facts.

Yes, Governor Inuwa Yahaya inherited security and social challenges, like many states across the country. But, through firm leadership, proactive engagement with security agencies, community-based peacebuilding and zero tolerance for thuggery and political violence, he has successfully confronted and curtailed these challenges.

While no society anywhere in the world is entirely immune from isolated incidents or skirmishes, the situation in Gombe remains measured, stable and significantly better than many comparable environments.

It is therefore curious that individuals and groups who know very little about the day-to-day realities in Gombe have suddenly developed an intense interest in the state, recycling cases that were long dispensed with by competent courts, matters unrelated to government policy, or incidents involving private individuals, all in a desperate attempt to “give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.”

Let it be clearly stated: Governor Inuwa Yahaya has consistently demonstrated disdain for violence, thuggery and lawlessness, in words, actions and policy choices. He does not condone acts capable of triggering insecurity, nor does he shield anyone who takes the law into their own hands.

Evidence of decisive actions taken in the past, across political, communal and security-related matters abounds.

In the specific instance recently referenced by TIB, the Government and relevant authorities acted promptly and responsibly. Internal processes were activated, disciplinary steps taken, and lawful investigations commenced. This alone contradicts the narrative of state complicity or tolerance for abuse.
Attempting to extrapolate one isolated incident into a fabricated pattern of repression is disingenuous and intellectually dishonest.

We also find it troubling that a civil rights organization would choose to blur the line between legitimate advocacy and political sensationalism, thereby risking the credibility it seeks to protect.

Human rights advocacy thrives on accuracy, balance, context and fairness , not conjecture, selective narratives or inflammatory conclusions.

We therefore call on human rights organizations and activists to exercise restraint, professionalism and objectivity, and to resist being drawn into murky political waters that ultimately stain reputations rather than advance justice.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a firm believer in civilized politics, constructive dissent and democratic engagement.

Under his leadership, young people are encouraged not as instruments of violence, but as productive contributors to society through education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in governance.
Manufacturing falsehoods to paint him as a sponsor of repression or violence will not stand the test of truth.

Finally, we call on the good people of Gombe State to remain calm, peaceful and confident in the path the state continues to tread.

Gombe will not be distracted by unfounded allegations. Peace, security, justice and the rule of law will continue to guide governance in the state.