Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called on the Tangale community to unite around a shared purpose anchored on genuine reconciliation, forgiveness, and lasting peace.
The Governor made the appeal while receiving members of the Tangale community on a solidarity visit in Gombe, saying: “Peace is a pathway to sustainable development in the area.”
The delegation, led by the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Area, Mrs Eglah Idris, was accompanied by the Mai Tangale, Malam Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba, and other prominent sons and daughters of the community.
Reflecting on the crisis that followed the appointment of the Mai Tangale, Governor Yahaya said true reconciliation and forgiveness were indispensable to unity, peace, and harmonious coexistence.
He noted that while mistakes were inevitable, individuals and communities must show moral clarity by learning from the past to avoid repeating the same errors.
The Governor stressed that his relationship with the Tangale people went beyond politics, explaining that his family had enjoyed a long-standing bond with the community, built on mutual trust and respect.
He added that he remained committed, both personally and in his capacity as governor, to the values of inclusiveness and relationship-building instilled in him by his late father, describing the Tangale community as “dear to my heart.”
Governor Yahaya further emphasised the need for unity and peace, not only within the Tangale community but across the state, noting that, in view of prevailing security challenges in parts of the country, Gombe State could not afford actions or behaviours capable of promoting chaos or undermining stability.
He used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented projects and policies aimed at accelerating economic development, social progress, and infrastructural growth in Billiri Local Government Area and across the state.
The Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Council, Mrs. Eglah Idris, commended the Governor for his dedication to the welfare of the people of Billiri LGA and Gombe State in general.
She highlighted several developmental projects executed by the Inuwa-Yahaya administration in Billiri LGA, covering health, education, infrastructure, trade facilitation, and other critical sectors.
Also speaking, a leading figure in the Tangale Chiefdom and elder statesman, Ambassador Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, praised the Governor for his patience, maturity, and leadership in the face of provocative statements made by some disgruntled individuals after the crisis.
Ambassador Fawu urged the people of the area to draw lessons from the past and work towards building a stronger and more enduring bond that would guarantee peace and attract development.
In their separate remarks, the members representing Billiri East and Billiri West constituencies in the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Daniel and Hon. Nimrod Malon, respectively, thanked Governor Yahaya for leading an inclusive administration that prioritised the well-being of the people.
They assured the Governor of the continued support of the Tangale community for his policies and programmes, pledging to promote laws that would fast-track development across the state.
Similarly, Dr. Arabs Rukuje expressed gratitude to the Governor for demonstrating inclusive leadership by accommodating diverse ideological and political views.