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PDP chairman: Dankwambo, Ishaku back ex-governor

•Governors, others cancel mini-election
•Three nominees for NWC’s consideration

A few hours into the conduct of a mini-election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman from the Northeast, party leaders in the zone were yesterday split along religious lines.

Four candidates came forward as at Monday to compete for the slot to complete the tenure of the past National Chairman, Adamu Muazu.

They are the party’s National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Girigiri Lawal; ex-Governor of the defunct Gongola State, Wilberforce Juta; ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Bala Mohammed and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdullahi Jalo.

But the race appeared to be keener between Juta and the ex-FCT minister, leading to tension among PDP leaders in the zone.

Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo and Darius Ishaku are supporting Juta, who is a minority Christian. Most supporters of the former FCT minister are also divided along religious lines last night.

The development forced the party to cancel its mini-election slated for Gombe today.

It was, however, gathered that the leaders opted to recommend three nominees for consideration by the National Working Committee (NWC) tomorrow.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “PDP Northeast leaders have become divided and it has been difficult to organise a mini-election in Gombe on Tuesday as convened by the National Vice Chairman (Northeast) of the party, Girigiri Lawal.

“The two PDP governors in the zone prefer Juta than Bala Mohammed, who is popular among young elements and Hausa-Fulani leaders. Except for Dankwambo’s support for Juta, the mini-election has degenerated to religious politics.

“Those supporting the former FCT minister have been whipping up ethnic and religious sentiments against Juta, who is a Christian minority in the North.

“A few other leaders rejected the plot to replace the former National Chairman, Adamu Muazu from Bauchi State with another candidate from Bauchi. They said other states should be given the slot.

“The two governors spent a greater part of Monday to douse the tension, which the choice of a new PDP national chairman has created.”

Another source said: “To prevent chaos, the leaders recommended three candidates for consideration by the National Working Committee (NWC) tomorrow. They include Juta, ex-FCT minister and a candidate from Borno.

“All the leaders have ruled out the choice of Ahmed Gulak, a former special adviser on Political Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. But party leaders commended Gulak for leading the struggle for the Northeast to retain the slot.”

Findings confirmed that the PDP may still run into a hitch unless a mini-election is conducted at the zonal level.

A party leader said: “The constitution does not support the recommendation of a candidate; it says there should be election. We may be back to square one if any of the three recommended candidates is made the new national chairman of PDP.

“Recommendation is an illegal process. If we go ahead, Gulak may technically become the chairman in the face of the law. We have to be careful.”

A member of NEC said by Article 14.5 of the PDP Constitution, both the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC) will be right in picking any of the recommended three nominees.

The Article says: “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the committee shall appoint a substitute from the zone, where the officer originated pending the conduct of election to fill the vacancy.”

However, the NWC of PDP will tomorrow consider the three nominees forwarded to it by the Northeast caucus of the party.

Another source added: “The NWC will take a decision on Wednesday (tomorrow) for ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on Thursday.”

February 2, 2016
Dankwambo condemns Gombe market blasts

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has condemned the twin bomb blasts at the Gombe Central Market on Thursday.

Dakwambo made the condemnation in Gombe on Friday during a sallah reception at the Government House.

He said:“The situation is unfortunate; I want to seize this opportunity to sympathise with our brothers and sisters who were involved.

“Those that lost their lives, we pray to God for the repose of their souls.”

He further called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious move to security operatives.

While commending security personnel for their “wonderful” work in the state and the country at large, the governor stressed that security was a collective responsibility.

“We will continue to give them the necessary assistance; and to those who are on admission in hospital, they will be treated free of charge.”

NAN reports that the governor had visited victims of the blast at the specialist hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital respectively, and gave them an undisclosed amount of money.

July 17, 2015
Dankwambo, Ambode, Ahmed, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Amosun, others preach peace, patriotism

GOVERNORS have implored religious, traditional and community leaders as well as their followers to pray for sustainable peace as Muslim end Ramadan fast.

They urged the citizens to be patriotic and live in peace, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences.

Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, in his goodwill message as part of the celebration, said Nigerians should imbibe tolerance and mutual respect for one another to attain “sustainable peace, which is a catalyst for the development of our dear state and country”.

“As we are aware, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony. We should, therefore, be tolerant with each other and encourage peaceful coexistence among our diverse people,” he added.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, urged the citizens to rededicate themselves to the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Lagos, where residents, regardless of ethnic, religious or social status, can prosper.

The governor, in the Eid-el-Fitri message, said it was only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians could put the country back on its leadership pedestal.

He urged them to embrace the tenets of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood, which characterised the period of the holy month.

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom felicitated with the state Muslim Community on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration.

He rejoiced over the peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various faith – in the state, especially in the spirit of this year’s joint breaking of fast between Christians and Muslims.

The governor, however, regretted his inability to extend the usual courtesies due for such seasons on account of dwindling finances of the state.

He promised to meet such obligations when the financial fortunes of the state improve.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, especially the values of good neghbourliness, patriotism and respect for the sanctity of human life.

Ahmed, in an Eid-el-Fitri message by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, identified greed and selfishness as causes of Nigeria’s socio-political, economic and security problems.

He emphasised that if Nigerians demonstrate the kind of compassion and love for one another as displayed during Ramadan, Nigeria would surmount its numerous challenges and become a role model to other nations.

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to the service of their country as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.

The governor, in his Sallah message, enjoined Nigerians not to lose sight of the gains and lessons of the Ramadan fasting as they go about their daily activities.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole asked Muslims to exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith, saying Islam as a religion of peace abhors violence in whatever guise.

The governor, who congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the success of this year’s Ramadan, urged them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to positively impact on their neighbours and the society.

To Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the nation will overcome its challenges and emerge a strong, united and prosperous nation.

In a message by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor stated that “the attributes of self-discipline, compassion, brotherliness and patriotism exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan, if sustained, we will attain the dreams of our founding fathers for a united and prosperous nation.”

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko hailed the people of the state for embracing the Residency Card initiative.

Besides, he admonished Muslims not to return to habits they dropped before the Rammadan.

The governor called on Muslims to sustain the lessons of Ramadan by allowing the “God-like characters they lived all through the period of the Ramamdan to become a way of life for them”.

July 17, 2015
Dankwambo assures Gombe workers of full support

Gombe – Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State yesterday assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state of his full support with a view to improving workers’ welfare.

Dankwambo in a message to the Workers’ Day celebration in Gombe said that government would continue to partner with labour to promote effective service delivery that would facilitate more democracy dividends for the populace.

Represented by the state Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Usman, the governor commended the workers for their commitment to a better Gombe, and promised to set aside a particular date to celebrate with the workers.

In his remarks, Mallam Haruna Kamara, the Chairman, NLC in Gombe State, commended the governor for identifying with workers and urged him to sustain his support to civil servants.

Kamara requested the governor to introduce overseas training for workers, so as to boost workers’ morale.

“Training and re-training, promotion and employment should be your priority in your second tenure,’’ he said.

He also commended the governor for increasing Gombe’s work force from 15,000 to 21,000.

Also, the Benue State Governor-elect, Dr Samuel Ortom, yesterday felicitated with workers in the state on the occasion of the Workers’ Day celebration.

Ortom seized the opportunity to commend the workers, particularly members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their resilience and solidarity in the face of enormous challenges which include non-payment of their wages and other entitlements.

He regretted that the Workers ‘ Day, which used to be celebrated with fanfare and colorful displays when the going was good, has turned into a day of nostalgia for the good old days.

The former Minister of State, Industry, Trade, and Investment, however assures of partnership with workers in the public service and the organised private sector not only to restore the lost glory of workers in accordance with the dictum that the worker was worthy of his wages but also propel them forward.

He stressed that as a recipient of several awards from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Joint Councils One, Two, and Three and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) when he was Guma council chairman. He pledged not to disappoint workers in the state.

Ortom assured that his administration would confront the current challenges of workers in the state frontally and with their support and collaboration surmount them.

He said it is significant that his surname means the workman and assures that he would work to justify the name and the confidence reposed in him by the electorate.

May 2, 2015
‘Why Dankwambo was re-elected governor in Gombe’

Dahiru Hassan Kera, the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee for Governor Dankwambo’s 2015 Re-election Campaign Organisation in Gombe State, in this interview with Austin Asadu explains why the Gombe State governor got re-elected. Excerpts

With the victory of Governor Dankwambo in the just concluded governorship election, some people were surprised because the trend has been in favour of the APC in the entire North. What is your view?

First of all, we cannot deny the fact that the country’s political landscape has of recent experienced an unprecedented twist and turns that brought a change of government in favour of the opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC), at the presidential contest with the tsunami translated to the governorship and state assembly elections conducted on Saturday 11.The APC overwhelmingly swept 90 percent of the positions contested, leaving virtually only two governors to survive the political catastrophe which luckily enough our amiable governor was one of the two governors that emerged victorious against all odds. Obviously, the Dankwambo’s victory has been attributed to his crystal performance cum credibility.

Therefore, Dankwambo’s resounding victory should not come as a surprise at all to anybody who has been following the trend of events in Gombe State ever since he assumed the mantle of leadership in 2011. The esteemed Talban Gombe has succeeded in touching the lives of the average adult, youth, women and children in a way that no other administration, military or civilian, has ever done since the creation of the state. In all sectors of the state’s economy, be it health, education, education, power, potable water delivery, rural development, security, agriculture, manpower development, women and youth empowerment, Governor Dankwambo has performed superlatively and spectacularly by bringing democracy dividends to the footsteps of the people of Gombe State. A record number of hospitals, maternity and health centres, and classroom blocks have either been constructed or renovated with the supply of medical equipment and drugs for the hospitals and advanced laboratory equipment for the schools respectively. Thousands of water boreholes have been sunk all over the state while kilometers of roads have been constructed with many waiting. Fertilizer distribution to farmers is ongoing at a frenetic pace while over 150,000 women and youths have been trained in various skills acquisition programmes with take-off grants to enable them stand on their feet. In the area of security, the incidence of inherited political thuggery, arson and organised violence have been sharply curtailed as most of the youths have gained worthwhile employment while the hardened ones were handed over to law enforcement agents for appropriate disciplinary action. In fact, to catalogue the stupendous achievements of Dankwambo, which is beyond the space and time of this interview, I will only conclude by stating that he performed creditably even beyond expectation; that is why the people of Gombe massively elected him for a second term despite all odds.

Do you mean other PDP governors that lost did not perform well and that their poor performance contributed to their failure?

Don’t misquote me; the fact is that Dankwambo was the only PDP governor that was seeking re-election within the entire north and if you can observe the voting trend, people consider previous performance and credibility as the yardstick for giving out their mandate and that could be the reason Gen. Buhari was voted; in the case of Gombe, I am sure Dankwambo equally secured the votes of some principled and credibility adherent APC supporters. I could remember in Gombe State when Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, a serving member representing Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Federal Constituency of the National Assembly was relating to Dankwambo as the ‘Buhari of Gombe’ and if a serving and a card carrying member of the opposition party could go to that length to see the credibility in Dankwambo, it should not surprise us to see Gombites voting for Talba against party boundaries.

What message do you have for the opposition and other people in the state?

I would like to call on the opposition to join hands with our dynamic governor, the Talban Gombe, in order to move our beloved Gombe State to the next level as we all do not have another state we can call our own except the Jewel of the Savannah. All along, Dankwambo has been extending his hand of fellowship and co-operation to the apposition but because of the antics of some of their leaders in the state, it has been difficult and I think if there’s any moment Gen. Buhari enjoyed hospitality in Gombe, it is during the Dankwambo’s tenure. Now that the elections are over and Dankwambo has emerged victorious, the time has come for the opposition to shun all acts of harassment, intimidation, incitement and violence against law abiding citizens and join hands for the continued and rapid development of the state.

What message do you have for the people of Gombe State after the Talban’s overwhelming victory?

First of all, we thank God for the victory and I wish to thank them and express my sincere and unqualified gratitude for their goodwill, trust, solidarity and massive support before, during and after these elections. The people of Gombe State have shown that they have come of age and have politically matured to the extent that they cannot be harassed, intimidated or cowered by any person, institution, organization or political party whatsoever. Indeed they have sent a clear message to Goje and his cronies and acolytes that the era of political godfatherism, impunity, imposition, oppression and leadership by proxy or domination is over, once and for all in our dear state. The people of Gombe State have taken their destiny in their own hands and there is no going back again. Forward ever, backward never. I thank them once again.

Finally, what can we expect from Dankwambo’s second term?

With the kind of person we voted for and his disposition, his second term will witness a redoubling of his achievements. He will do more than he did in the first term and mark my words; no project will be left uncompleted by the Dankwambo administration before the end of its tenure. Gombe people have spoken loudly and clearly and they should expect three things from us in return: Action, action and action!

April 26, 2015
Goje: Gombe APC has no pact with Dankwambo

Senator Danjuma Goje is All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Gombe State. In this interview with VINCENT OHONBAMU, he speaks about the defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains to the APC and other issues.

People have been defecting massively from the PDP to APC in the last couple of days now. Could you please update us on the issue?

Today, I received a serving member of the House of Representative who contested election and lost recently. His name is Shuaibu Galadima, he left the PDP for the APC. The Co-ordinator for the person who contested against me for the Senate, Tanimu Usman, who was my former Commissioner and a serving Special Adviser, has also defected to APC. Another serving Special Adviser on Hajj Affairs, Sa’adu Hassan, has also defected from the PDP to the APC. A serving Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Kabiru Kuri Jara, has also defected from the PDP to the APC. Last but not the least for now, a Permanent Commissioner in Gombe State Assembly Service Commission, Abdullahi Magaji Difa, has also defected from PDP to APC. These are the six leaders I received today (Tuesday) with thousands of their supporters. Many leaders are on the way, we’ll let you know as they come

What do you think is responsible for this mass defection?

It is a total loss of confidence on the government and the governor of Gombe State as presently constituted under the PDP. People have loss confidence in the government, people are giving up, people have all already concluded that they’ll be defeated on Saturday, and therefore, they want to join the bandwagon; they don’t want to be losers.

There are rumours that Governor Dankwambo is initiating a parley with the APC. What is your reaction to this?

What rumour, I don’t understand; are you saying he’s going to step down, or he’s going to contest, as PDP?

He is going to contest as a PDP candidate and by the time he wins, he would crossover to the APC.

So, he wants us as the APC to vote for him to win; and then, we will vote against our candidate? Does it make sense? If he had wanted to be in APC, he would have left the PDP and joined the APC from the beginning. He believes in the PDP and now the PDP is gone. Governors left the PDP and joined APC. We have a candidate, who is better than him, Inuwa Yahaya, my former Commissioner of Finance for eight years. He is better equipped to become the governor of Gombe State. In fact, Buhari has further endorsed him to debunk all the insinuations of the governor wanting to sneak into the corridors of power through the backdoors by saying he would convert to the APC after winning. No, we don’t need him! Let him stand in his PDP, we’ll stand in or the APC and go to the polls. And I trust the good people of Gombe State will do the right thing, and that is to vote APC.

So, you are calling on the people to ignore the rumour insinuations?

It is in fact a meaningless and baseless rumour. General Buhari himself had clarified the situation that those who wanted to contest under APC have already joined APC. Since he is in PDP, we are parallel. How many days remaining now? Just three days to election! So, we are waiting for the elections to come. Let him contest under PDP and we will support our candidate APC and the good people of Gombe will decide. And I advise them (the electorate) strongly to vote for the APC because it is the party of the people; it’s the party of the country now. We cannot afford to be in the minority, we cannot afford to be in the opposition. We are already backward in Gombe State. We are already devastated here in the Northeast by Boko Haram and other calamities. And the safest way is to be with the Federal Government.

April 9, 2015
Dankwambo challenges leaders

Public officers will restore people’s confidence in governance if they can deliver good democratic dividends.

This was the view of the Governor of Gombe Sate, Ibrahim Dankwambo, at the annual public lecture organised by the Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with the theme: Governance and public policy process: Transforming Nigeria into a modern society.

The governor said without the provision of adequate infrastructure and improving people’s standard of living, the achievements of public officers would be a mirage. Dankwambo, who was the guest speaker at the event, said: “It is through good governance and building institutions that development can be achieved. Functional infrastructure is one best legacy any government can leave behind, because without it, democracy would make no meaning to the voters.”

Gov. Dankwambo noted that the nation never lacked good policies, but the challenge, he said, remained implementation, stressing that regular training and re-orientation of public officials saddled with implementation responsibility had become necessary to change the situation. He said effective policy implementation was the bedrock of good governance.

The governor praised the Federal Government for its effort at improving the condition of infrastructure and subsidising agriculture, saying the policy had paid off in eradicating poverty.

He added that his administration was emulating President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda to improve the standard of living of the people.

The governor appreciated the university management for finding him worthy to deliver the lecture, pledging assistance in addressing issues that would enhance teaching and learning in the school.

In his lecture entitled: Governance and public policy process: The contributions of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to the Transformation Agenda, Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, said the body had improved its operations through electronic data managements.

“To achieve safety on our roads, we need to re-emphasis our value system and road users must maintain discipline when driving. We must remain open and proactive to new technologies to cope with expectations of future,” he said.

Oyeyemi said the body would continue to maintain a fair-reward incentive scheme to motivate the staff for higher productivity.

In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, praised the Department of Public Administration for the lecture, which he said had generated fresh idea on how society should be governed.

November 13, 2014
Dankwambo to consult stakeholders

Despite his declaration as GombeState Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship candidate by the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC), Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo said he has left his options open to the outcome of consultations with stakeholders.

Speaking at the airport on his return from hajj, Dankwambo said: “I was surprised to hear that there was a vote of confidence, not endorsement, a vote of confidence in me by my people that they don’t mind if I continue.

“But governance and politics are very complicated. They require a lot of consultations and discussions. So, that will depend on the outcome of my discussions and consultations with the people of Gombe State.

“If I say I want to continue, I won’t be fair to my party. I need to interact with some people and see if I really have their support.

“So, in due course, I will tell you my position is.”

He said despite of his party’s support, he required the people’s support to be re-elected.

Dankwambo said he was satisfied with his performance.

Senator Lidani, who announced the party’s stand on Dankwambo in 2015, said: “It is a political issue, therefore, he has to consult and get advice from people.

October 13, 2014
2015: Can Dankwambo get second term?

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are locked in a battle of supremacy in Gombe State. Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo is interested in a second term. But, the opposition is pushing for power shift. Correspondent VINCENT OHONBAMU examines the struggle for power in the Northeast state.

Gombe State is warming up for the next general elections. The contest is between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Leading the PDP is Governor Ibrahm Dankwambo. The APC is led by his predecessor, Senator Danjuma Goje.

Until last year, Dankwambo and Goje were in the PDP. Both parted ways at the rancorous PDP national convention held in Abuja. Since then, their camps have been at loggerheads. Goje has declared that the days of the PDP were numbered in the Northeast state. But, the governor has vowed to resist power shift, saying that the PDP is more popular.

Goje, a grassroots politician, was instrumental to the victory of Dankwambo in 2011 elections. In 2003, the former Minister of State for Power and Steel defeated former GovernorAbubakar Hashidu of the defunct All Peoples Party of Nigeria (ANPP). From 2003 and last year, Gombe was more or less a one party state. Indeed, the PDP has loomed large in the state, owing to the internal crises that seized the opposition parties. Distracted by the internal strife, they could not pose a threat to the PDP.

However, the ruling party became a divided fold, following its protracted crises. The crises have affected its dominace in the state. With the advent of the APC, a formidable and vibrant opposition emerged in Gombe, making the PDP to fret.

The two parties are strong. So are their leaders. In Gombe, there is a sort of ego war. It is a moment of emotional wrenching for both Goje and Dankwambo, who will have to work at cross-purposes next year, thereby betraying their antecedents as partners in progress. In their antagonistic camps, there is anxiety, which may not fizzle out, until the next year’s polls.

Goje is seen as a better politician, having fought many political battles and triumphed. His support for Dankwambo in 2011 was legendary. In Gombe, he is seen as a father figure. However, the governor is also a dynamic figure. In the saddle, he is effective. Like Goje, he is also a performer. Thus, while the APC is confident that Goje will lead it to victory next year, those who believe in the governor’s ability said that the former Accountant-General of the Federation can spring a surprise by pulling the rug off the senator’s feet.

With the 2003 feat as a reference point, many people, especially those in his camp believe Goje could get whatever he wanted anytime. The feat has equally given him a huge confidence that history could repeat itself as the APC steps up efforts to wrest power from the PDP.

That was why Goje said at the state congress of the APC earlier this year that “we are used to removing governments, we could still do it again.”

His dogged approach to issues earned him the reputation of the man with a sledge hammer.

Goje listens and acts swiftly on anything that affects his person and political machinery. He does not procrastinates.

As the Minister of State for Power and governor for eight years, Goje was busy building bridges and networks. He also built a solid political structure.

He is a shrewd politician, organiser, mobiliser and defender of his camp. He understands the grammer of politics.

This explains why the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representaives, Hon Usman Bayero Nafada, former Minister of State for Power, Murtala Aliyu, and his Commissioner of Finance for eight years, Inuwa Yahaya, are now working with him in the plan to unseat the governor.

Goje is not eligible to contest for governorship having served for two terms. But, he is spearheading the course of a change. This decision has been given impetus by those who see him as a political demigod with the might to install and effect change.

The popular saying in Gombe is that “you have to be like Goje to beat Goje.” But, the governor, is not a street-wise politician. That may be the reason why some people have erroneously described him as a weak actor. However, a source said: “Dankwambo is a serious person and he is committed to lofty goals. People see Governor Dankwambo as a self-absorbed character with an exaggerated impression of his intellectual superiority. They brand him as acting like there is a no politician and one who has nothing at stake. But, this may not be an accurate assessment”.

The pervading fear in Gombe PDP is that Dankwambo is preparing for a tough battle against Goje. His fighting spirit, sources said, would be tested on the slippery field at the next year’s poll. “Up to now, Dankwambo has not evolved a separate structure. He is still relying on those politicians who worked with his predecessor. His strategies are not concealed. His top secrets are as bare to the opposition as the palm of a man’s hand”, said another source..

The governor, according to a PDP source, believes in retaining power by redeeming his campaign promises to the people. However, his slogan of “all work, work and work for the people and posterity” is so strange and hugely opposed to the people’s addiction to the idea of sharing the money. Thus, in Gombe, people are interested not only in social infrastructure, but also in “stomach infrastructure”. The source added: “It is easy to hear a lot of people saying things like: “is it roads we will eat?” “Goje worked and money was still in circulation. Why is Dankwambo’s case different?”

Dankwambo has come under attack for courting the members of the opposition. Critics berate him for a shortfall in political strategy. For instance, it has been alleged that some members of his cabinet, his aides, principal officers of the ruling party, elected party chieftains, and top government officials of his administration still owe their allegiance to Goje, whom they had worked with for almost two decades.

A PDP chieftain, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The governor is in a quagmire because laying-off anyone for whatever reason at this point is a political suicide. But, it is also counter-productive to entrust campaign funds to aides who have been left to go hungry for over three years.”

He added: This situation brings to mind what the reasons why Hashidu failed to secure a second term. A lot of people betrayed him at the dying minute by carting away campaign funds.”

Exuding confidence, the PDP secretary, Alhaji Buba Shanu, said that the party will retain Gombe in 2015 because he has many achievements to his credit. To the APC, this is bravado.

The PDP is relying on the incumbency factor. It is believed that, with the incumbency power, Dankwambo can weather the storm. Although a green horn, the governor is said to habve a heart of steel and stone.

Besides, Dankwambo enjoys the backing of some stakeholders who cannot be ignored. These leaders are said to be happy with him because of the way he has handled the security challenge in the state. He has successfully mobilised security agencies to flush out the dreadful ‘Yan Kalare’, which has terrorised the state for long.

The governor has renovated, reconstructed and built over 30 primary and post-primary schools. He has established five institutions of higher learning–the School of Legal and Islamic Studies, the School of Basic and Remedial Studies, State College of Education, the Gombe State Polytechnicand the State School of Nursing and Midwifery.

The governor has empowerd the youths through job creation. He has embarked on massive infrastructural development. No fewer than 60 urban, sub-urban, rural and regional roads have been constructed. Also, he has created wealth through soft or revolving loans to market traders. Dankwambo has health facilities. He has also employed thousands of teachers for schools.

A commissioner, Alhaji Bakura Bajoga, who applauded the governor, said: “We have something on ground under Governor Dankwambo to show to the public. Weigh and compare these things with the bunch of promises and manifestos that will come your way from the opposition. You will see that he is the man to beat.”

But, Hon. Bayero Nafada, cautioned against over-confidence. When Goje was in the saddle, he had said that “achievements do not count, if certain things are not in place.”

The legislator recalled that Kwakwanso, who performed excellently in Kano State during his first term, was defeated by Shekarau.

He added: “Besides, Gombe itself had a classic example in 2003 when Goje on a PDP ticket pushed out Habu Hashidu.”, he had added.

However, observers contend that, despite Senator Goje’s intimidating profile, he will only be restricted to the role of a catalyst for the APC in its push for power shift. Who emerges as the APC governorship bearer is also important.

In recent times, Dankwambo has penetrated the grassroots. His empowerment programmes targetted at the rural poor has jerked up his popularity in the rural areas. Since the rural areas constitute the larger population of voters, this may be an advantage ot the PDP, if the governor sustains the tempo of achievements.

Now, the two parties are glued to the drawing board. Mobilisation has been intensifies across the local governments. A tough contest has been predicted by pundits. It will not be a walk over for any party. A victory for the ruling party will further cement its legacy as the dominant party. But, the APC is not sleeping on guard.

Who wins the governorship in Gombe?

July 2, 2014
Dankwambo seeks support for women participation in politics

Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has supported the call for Nigerian women to play more active roles in politics.

The governor spoke yesterday at the closing ceremony of the 13th edition of the National Women Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He noted that women’s involvement in governance was pivotal to social and economic development.

Dankwambo said: “Nigerian women have proved their mettle to be more than mere bench warmers in our social, economic and political lives, even in our male-dominated society. Nigerian women have carved a niche for themselves in various human endeavours and in many areas. They have outperformed the men.”

The governor said the exploits of women in the private and public sectors had impacted positively on agriculture, health and education.

He added that “women in Lagos have distinguished themselves in these areas”.

He hailed the women for organising the conference, saying it would not only expose them to national interest but also prepare them to play active roles in politics.

October 25, 2013