Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has appealed to all politicians and groups in the state to desist from any acts or utterances capable of jeopardizing the peace and stability of the State.
Speaking during a state-wide broadcast ahead of the Governorship and State Assembly Elections, Governor Yahaya restated his commitment to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying he believes they all owe it a duty to the state to leave a legacy of peace, development and progress.
“For us, the interest, well-being and stability of Gombe State is very paramount. It is above any personal ambition or partisan consideration. I have always stated that my ambition is not worth the blood or well-being of any citizen of Gombe State,” Governor Yahaya said.
He called on the media, civil society, religious and traditional groups to remain patriotic in their conduct, constructive in their criticism, and professional in their approach.
“I am calling on the media to do more to eliminate the scourge of fake news and disinformation being peddled by some political opportunists. I am also calling on our traditional and religious leaders to enhance vigilance and intensify prayers for successful and hitch-free elections in Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the success of the presidential and national assembly elections, as well as the people for their peaceful disposition during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“It is heartwarming to see the Commission working very hard to identify and rectify lapses during the previous election in order to make the governorship and state assembly elections better. There’s no perfect democracy anywhere, but I am optimistic that through gradual improvement such as this, we can take our democracy to greater heights,” Governor Yahaya said.
He also called on the people to continue on the path of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
“Election is not a do-or-die affair, and electoral contest should not be the basis for political bitterness, ill-will and violence. Although our political choices and affiliations may differ, we are bonded by common destiny as citizens of Gombe State. In the end, it is the Almighty Allah that gives and takes power, to whoever he wills and whenever he wills,” he stated.
Restriction Of Movement
Meanwhile, the Gombe State Police Command has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement and other means of transportation within the State.
A statement from the Commissioner of Police, Mr Oqua Etim, said the order would take effect from 12 am, Saturday, March 18 to 6 pm of the same day.
CP Etim said vehicular movement would be allowed only for those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Accredited Media, local and international Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police re-affirmed the ban on escort and security aides to VIPs from accompanying their principal, and politicians to polling booths and collation centres, saying any person or group of persons found violating this directive will be sanctioned accordingly.
In the same vein, he said State-established and owned security outfits/quasi-security units, and privately-owned security guards were also barred from participating in the forthcoming gubernatorial election security.
He appreciates the people of Gombe State for their cooperation during the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections and urged them to comply with the movement restriction order by going close to their polling booths earlier.
CP Etim also admonished all eligible electorates to turn out en mass and exercise their civic responsibility, giving them the assurances of adequate security coverage, while also admonishing the people of the State to desist from spreading fake, unverified, and misleading information capable of disrupting the peace in the State.
PIAK
