The Supreme Court on Friday, dismissed an appeal by Jibrin Barde of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)challenging the election of Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe state.
The Apex court lead judgment read
by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, unanimously dismissed an appeal by Barde for want of merit, incompetent and liable to be dismissed.
Consequently, the apex court has affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, which had in November, 2023, upheld the election of Yahaya as Governor of Gombe State.
The appellate court had upheld Yahaya’s election after dismissing two separate appeals challenging his declaration as winner of the March 18, governorship election in the state.
In a move marking the New Year, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has extended clemency to 39 inmates serving sentences across correctional facilities within the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Monday, the governor emphasized the significance of this gesture in providing these individuals with an opportunity to reform and re-enter society as better citizens.
Highlighting the decision’s basis on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Yahaya revealed that 26 inmates would receive unconditional pardons, while the sentences of the remaining 13 have been commuted to shorter durations.
Governor Yahaya expressed hope that those benefiting from this clemency would seize the chance to start anew and contribute positively to society.
This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation and offering a second chance to individuals seeking to turn their lives around.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State took the oath of office for a second tenure of office in Gombe.
The oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima Mohammed at the Pantami Township stadium, Gombe at the governor’s swearing-in.
The governor also reviewed a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police Force.
In his inaugural speech, Yahaya said he regarded oath-taking as a strong commitment and would work to ensure that he did not disappoint the people of Gombe state.
He added that he would consolidate on his first-term achievements and ensure that the interests of the people of Gombe state were given utmost priority.
“Now that the elections are over, the business of governance must continue apace.
“As always, I call on all stakeholders across partisan divides to join hands and move our state forward.
“On my part, I shall be just and fair to all irrespective of political, ethnic, religious and sectional affiliations.
“The collective interest of Gombe state supersedes all other interests and considerations,’’ he said.
Yahaya assured people of Gombe State of better days ahead and noted that Gombe state had made significant strides in development in the last four years.
He said a lot of investments were made in critical sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, civil service, agriculture, energy, water supply, environment and sanitation.
He called for more supports and prayers for his second term of office.
“Your prayers shall inspire me as we work towards a better Gombe State; one that will become a source of pride for future generations and a model for the rest of the country,’’ Yahaya stressed.
See full speech below:
SPECIAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU INUWA YAHAYA, CON (DAN MAJEN GOMBE) ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 2ND TERM SWEARING-IN AS THE GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE ON MONDAY 29TH MAY 2023, AT THE PANTAMI TOWNSHIP STADIUM GOMBE
Protocols
Exactly four years ago, I stood before you, conscious of the responsibility placed on my shoulders, and took the oath of office as the 4th civilian governor of Gombe State. I am grateful to God Almighty for giving me the wisdom and courage to deliver on our promises which led to my successful re-election, culminating in the new oath of office that I have just taken. I am profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me. Your unceasing outpourings of support, prayers and goodwill shall continue to inspire me each day as we work together to build a better Gombe State, one that will become a source of pride to future generations and a model to the rest of the country.
2. As the saying goes, ‘the reward for doing well is the opportunity to do more.’ Your decision to once again trust me with your votes represents a resounding vote of confidence on our first term performance. Like I said during the campaigns, our excellent record speaks for itself. It offers our people a clear choice between progress and retrogression, hope and despair.
3. Now that the elections are over, the business of governance must continue apace. As always, I call on all stakeholders across partisan divides to join hands and move our state forward. On my part, I shall be just and fair to all, irrespective of political, ethnic, religious and sectional affiliations. The collective interest of Gombe State supersedes all other interests and considerations.
4. Over the past four years, we overcome many challenges. We lost loved ones, including hardworking officials, close associates and loyal supporters. We shall continue to remember them because they form part of our success story today. We also made significant strides in advancing the development agenda of Gombe state by investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, civil service, agriculture, energy, water supply, environment and sanitation.
5. On the education sector, we constructed and renovated over 1440 classrooms across the State; and mopped up of over 350,000 out-of-school children. We also upgraded 5 secondary schools to mega-school standards and constructed 4 special schools (to take care of special needs).We recruited 1,000 teachers, and strengthened vocational and technical education through various partnerships like the IDEAS (Innovation in Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills), which is a World Bank-assisted project.
6. These, among other efforts, led to a number of positive outcomes, including a sharp increase in the percentage of candidates in our public schools who passed WASSCE with 5 credits or above including Maths and English from 28% in 2019 to 73% in 2021 and 78% in 2022.
7. On healthcare, we ensured the provision of a fully functional primary healthcare center in each of our 114 political wards; upgraded the State Specialist Hospital in Gombe; while currently upgrading the General Hospitals in Bajoga and Kaltungo. In addition, a 200-bed general hospital in Kumo is being constructed. We are also building a brand-new 600-student capacity school of nursing technology.
8. Our administration also established the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (Go-Health) in order to provide affordable healthcare for the vulnerable. So far, 35,116 beneficiaries have been rolled and are getting proper service. We also established the Gombe State Hospitals Management Board to provide leadership and direction to the administration of our hospitals, as well as the Gombe State Medical Consumables and Wholesale Supply Agency which aims to checkmate the menace of substandard and inadequate supply of medical consumables in the state.
9. In order to jumpstart economic activities and create jobs, we hosted the first-ever Gombe State Investment Summit which attracted billions of naira in local and international investments. The establishment of the ease of doing business council in the state also helped us to come first in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ranking in 2021 and 2022. Our drive to support small businesses and boost local economy helped us to provide over 500-million-naira MSME grant, and empowered 1000 small business-owners and 500 artisans. The Bubayero Microfinance Bank was recapitalized with 764 million naira in order to meet regulatory requirements and facilitate microlending support to small businesses.
10. Our commitment to invest in durable infrastructure and housing remain rock solid. To this end, we constructed over 700km of urban and rural roads under the Network 11-100 project which aims to connect the nooks and crannies of our state with serviceable road networks. The Phase One of the 1000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is nearing completion. Already, industries have started springing up to take advantage of the facility. We have also completed the Gombe Mega Motor Park in order to provide a befitting motor park to our people. Over 1000 homes are being constructed with the help of the Family Home Funds and the NEDC in order to reduce the housing deficits and ease its burden on our people.
11. The ongoing rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme has reached an advanced stage. We have also built and rehabilitated over 600 boreholes across the state through various initiatives like RUWASSA and SURWASH.
12. Our administration has ensured timely procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizer. This year, the fertilizer distribution exercise will commence on 15th June, 2023 in order to enable our farmers take advantage of the early planting period. We also ensured the provision of assorted seedlings and farm implements to farmers, as well as timely annual vaccination campaigns against major communicable diseases affecting livestock.
13. While land administration has consistently remained a challenge in our development process, we established the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) as well as the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) In order to ensure efficiency in land administration and sustainable urban development. In this regard, we also created new layouts and standardized existing ones, including the new Shongo Gardens layouts, as well as the verification and restoration of the BAP4 layout.
14. In order to revitalize our civil service, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms was established so as to institutionalize necessary reforms. Promotions and other benefits are being implemented in both the state and local government service. In addition to being among the first states to implement the new 30,000-naira minimum wage, we also paid over N7.9 billion in gratuity liabilities inherited from the previous administration, while ensuring timely payment of monthly pensions to our retirees.
15. Our administration is committed to improving Transparency and Accountability in Governance. In this regard, we ensured people-driven budget consultation process, timely publication of budgets and audited accounts, as well as compliance with the World Bank-led State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability framework (SFTAS) of which Gombe is among the best performing states nationwide. We also repositioned the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, leading to automation of revenue collection procedures and improvement in revenue performance.
16. The maintenance of harmonious working relationship between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is very fundamental to the success of every democratic setting. Our actions and activities are always tailored towards preserving and respecting the independence of the legislature and judiciary. Similar treatment is also extended to our local government councils, in order to ensure their financial independence and administrative autonomy.
17. Our administration has adopted a three-pronged approach to dealing with youth unemployment, climate change and insecurity. Through our Gombe Goes Green (3G) program which targeted the planting of 4 million trees, we are able to engage 27,000 youth in the program, providing them with job opportunities and mitigating climate and environmental degradation which induced farmer-herder conflicts and its attendant consequences. We also recruited 500 youth under the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corp (GOSTEC) to protect our environment, bolster local security and enforce traffic rules.
19. In our commitment to promote security, stability and peaceful co-existence, we established the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Reorientation and introduced ‘Operation Hattara’ to support and complement the efforts of our security agencies. We also embraced local stakeholders to ensure coordinated and proactive response to security challenges, and convened the first-ever Gombe State Security Summit in order to boost local security and foster regional cooperation.
20. It is noteworthy that these achievements were recorded despite domestic and global economic headwinds especially the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic meltdown. It is gratifying that our administration was able to wither the storm and deliver strong performance which earned us local and international recognitions and accolades. While there is still much work to be done, we must build upon our achievements so as to reach greater heights.
22. In the next four years, our administration will focus on the following key areas:
23. Economic Empowerment and Job Creation: we shall continue with our ease of doing business policies so as to consolidate our position as the most business-friendly state in Nigeria. These policies are designed to foster conducive business environment, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth. We shall also train and upskill our youth, invest in ICT skills and innovation, and harness our agri-business potentials in order to enhance food security and create employment opportunities.
24. Education and Human Capital Development: our administration shall continue with ongoing upgrades of school infrastructure, provision of instructional materials and improving the capacity of our teachers and administrators. We are committed to expanding access to education, particularly for out-of-school childen, girl-child and other marginalized groups, through various initiatives like the Adolescent Girl Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). We are also committed to enhancing vocational and technical education to align with the needs of the rapidly evolving job market, particularly the agriculture, energy and oil and gas sectors which are fast taking shape in Gombe State, especially with discovery of oil and gas at Kolmani.
25. Healthcare and Social Welfare: we are going to leverage on Go-Health and GSPCHDA to strengthen healthcare systems and infrastructure in order to ensure accessible and quality healthcare services for all. We shall Improve the capacity of our healthcare professionals by investing in training and capacity building, as well as partner with FG and other relevant stakeholders to implement social welfare programs that support vulnerable groups and alleviate poverty.
26. Infrastructural Development: we are going to consolidate on our existing achievements by investing in the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water supply, and electricity. We shall improve our rural and urban transportation networks, and investing in climate-friendly and sustainable projects. Urban renewal and redevelopment, especially in the State capital and the local government headquarters will be pursued vigorously in order to ensure decent living and also attract the much-needed investment in hospitality and tourism.
27. Good Governance and Accountability: we shall sustain the principles of people-driven, needs-based and participatory governance by improving our open government policies which enabled us to become one of the top 7 states in the country in the 2022 Transparency and Integrity Index. The efficient use of public resources through plugging leakages and reducing wastage will foster a culture of meritocracy and inclusivity in governance, thus improving the efficiency of the system.
28. My fellow citizens, I cannot achieve these ambitious goals alone. I need your continued support, active engagement, and constructive feedback in order to succeed. It is only by coming together as one united people that we can transform our aspirations into tangible realities. I am confident that, with your continuous support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and create a future that is brighter and more prosperous for every resident of Gombe State.
29. On a final note, I remain eternally grateful for your support, and the opportunity to lead Gombe State at this critical point in its history. I will continue to count on your support, goodwill and prayers. Let us embark on this journey together, hand in hand, as we build a Gombe State that our children and future generations will be proud to call home.
*Members pour encomiums on Gombe Gov; 11- Man Transition Management Committee Inaugurated
The Gombe State Executive Council, earlier today held a valedictory session to round off the life of the council. This is just as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inaugurated an 11- member Transition Management Committee.
In his Valedictory remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked the cabinet members for their sacrifices and dedication which saw to the success of his first tenure, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the efforts of the members whom he described as good team players.
Governor Inuwa recounted that “preparatory to the coming of the government, during the campaigns and the elections in 2019, we worked as a team with the majority of you here participating directly as a result of which we shared the same vision. That made it possible for me to bring you into government. And I would like to say that you did not disappoint me and did not disappoint the people of Gombe State. You have done very well and impliedly, this government did very well.
“The successes recorded are results of the sacrifice, commitment, dedication, loyalty, and above all the resilience of all of us that work in this team. And As a leader I am very proud of the good work that you did which is very visible and clear to all”, he added.
“For the errors you made personally as human beings, I learned to know that to err is human and to forgive is divine. I have forgiven anybody, not only you any other person that offended or intentionally tried to tarnish the image of this government for his selfish interest or whatever reason, I have forgiven you and I hope everybody will forgive me as well.”
The governor urged the ex-members to be steadfast, committed, and loyal to the course on which they all stand, wishing them God’s guidance and success in their future endeavors.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau noted that, Governor Inuwa received over 26 awards from reputable national and international organisations within his first tenure which is an indication of his outstanding leadership style and accomplishments.
He mentioned the most recent and notable awards which include the Presidential Awards as the best state in the ease of doing business in 2021 and 2022 consecutively, the Pro-Labour Governor Award 2022 by the Trade Union Congress, Most Improved State In Rural and Urban Infrastructural Development 2022 by Business Day Newspaper among others.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to have served under Governor Inuwa Yahaya. commending the mutual relationship between his office and all other MDAs.
He also thanked Governor Inuwa for teaching them what he called the rudiments of politics. “We thank you so much, your Excellency for the vision, the passion, the courage, the commitment, and the resilience with which you lead us all”, the Prof said.
He informed the governor that almost all the Ministries, Departments and gencies of the State Government have so far submitted their handover reports to his office in accordance with the governor’s directive.
He said he “constituted a mini committee that worked diligently to compile the submissions and produce an abridge report for the governor’s review and consideration.”
In his contribution, Justice Zubairu Muhammad Umar who spoke on behalf of cabinet members from Gombe North, thanked Governor Inuwa for giving them the opportunity to serve the good people of Gombe State.
He specifically extolled the governor for establishing good leadership based on the principle of hard work, integrity, respect, accountability, fairness, and the rule of law; assuring the governor of their readiness and willingness to continue serving the state wherever they find themselves.
Also in his remarks, Hon Muhammad Magaji Gettado Sa’id, Gombe Central and of course the generality of the people of Gombe State are proud to have Governor Inuwa as a leader, recounting the unprecedented development project the governor executed like the multi-billion Naira Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, revolutionary road infrastructure, and the much priority he attached to Agriculture which is the mainstay of the people of Gombe State.
Mr Audu Lauco, who spoke on behalf of Gombe South SEC members, commended the foresight of the governor in churning out policies that can continue to exist beyond this generation.
“Your policies and projects have long-term effects on the people. You always tell us that you want to do something that long after you must have left office people will remember you. And for that, Your Excellency even if you leave office today, the work you have done outlived those who have done for 16 years. And you will continue to be remembered for that. “, he affirmed, describing the governor as a detribalise leader that treat people equally without discrimination based on religion, tribe, or section.
In her short remarks, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari representing the female cabinet members, described governor Inuwa ‘as truly a he for she governor’, applauding his policies and programmes which she said are always pro-women.
“Your Excellency, when you came in 2019, Gombe was at its lowest ebb; we were at zero, and in 2023 we are heroes. Gombe is leading the whole of the Northern Region. By 2027 inshallah we are going to be superheroes”, she said.
Meanwhile, immediately after the valedictory session, Governor Inuwa also inaugurated the Transition Management Committee to handle the administrative transition of his government from the first tenure into the new government beginning from May 29.
Unveiling the composition of the committee, the governor said the team will be headed by retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu as Chairman and will have other members including Malam Aliyu Kamara, Arch. Sulaiman Muhammad Puma, Amb. Edward Sarki, Permanent Secretary Budget, and Planning, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Jalo Ali; Permanent Secretary General Duties, Mr. Eranus Mamman; Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, Mr. Luth Edward, Ahmad Usman Shanu, and Dr Muazu Shehu who will serve as secretary.
The terms of reference of the committee include among others: obtaining the end of the term report, identifying challenges faced by various ministries and departments, and making recommendations for improvement of the performances of MDAs to enable the effective and successful commencement of the next tenure.
“I believe the committee members can deliver on their assigned duties and responsibilities”, the Governor maintained.
Responding on behalf of other members of the Transition management committee, the Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu, thanked Governor Inuwa for finding them worthy of the assignment, assuring him that they will do their best in giving a convincing report that will help in facilitating a successful transition and second tenure.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has dissolved the Gombe State Executive Council and equally approved the termination of the appointment of all political appointees with effect from today, Friday, 26th May, 2023.
However, political office holders in statutory boards and commissions are excluded from this directive. Equally, Local Government Caretaker chairmen will remain in charge of their respective councils until the expiration of their tenure on 19th June, 2023.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also accepted the resignation of the Gombe State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Bappayo Yahaya. In his place, the Governor has approved the appointment of the Permanent Secretary/Principal Private Secretary ( PPS) to the Governor, Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as Acting Head of Civil Service.
The Governor expressed appreciation to all the relieved appointees for their invaluable support and contribution to the success of his administration and wished them the best in their future endeavours.
*As SEC approves N1.8bn for payment of compensation for road projects
The 30th Gombe State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the sum of N2.8bn (Two billion, eight hundred and thirty seven million, five Hundred thousand naira for the procurement of five thousand metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2023 farming season.
Addressing newsmen on details of the approval after the EXCO meeting, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mohammed Magaji Gettado said the brand of the fertilizer is NPK 20-10-10 which is a higher version of the NPK 15-15 distributed last year.
The Commissioner explained that the fertilizer has already been supplied to the State awaiting blending by TAK Agro, the company managing the state owned fertilizer blending plant.
On the issue of subsidy, the commissioner said the Governor will make it known during the flag off of the fertilizer distribution expected to begin between the 1st and 29th of June this year.
Also speaking on approvals under the purview of his Ministry, the Commissioner of Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, explained that Executive Council approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of the School of Nursing and Midwifery to the tune of Five Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Naira.
He said the review of the initial contract sum of One Billion, Fifty Million Naira becomes necessary due to the astronomical rise in the prices of construction materials at both the local and international markets.
While giving an overview of activities in his Ministry, the Commissioner of Works, Engr Abubakar Bappah said the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has, in the last four years, awarded many road projects spread across the State.
He revealed that the immediate past administration in the state left behind 19 yet to be started road projects for which Governor Inuwa Yahaya has completed 11 while 5 are ongoing.
On the network 11-100 which seeks to construct at least one hundred kilometers of roads in each of the 11 Local Government Areas of the State, the works commissioner explained that at least a total of 60 kilometers have been covered in each of the local government areas.
Engr. Abubakar Bappah added that the present administration in the State is equally proactive on repairs and maintenance of wash aways and construction of bridges to link hard to reach communities across the State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands and Surrey, Usman Jafun Biri said the council approved the sum of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Five Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Five Naira, Fifty Kobo for the payment of compensation to property owners affected by road construction in Kaltungo, Bajoga, Gombe, Tumfure and Ashaka Townships.
The commissioner used the forum to advise land owners to always seek the approval of constituted authorities before putting up structures, saying the money earmarked for compensation can be use for the construction of more roads to serve the interest of the people.
In the same vain, the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Idris Abdullahi said EXCO approved the sum of One billion andTwenty Five Million Naira for additional work at the Kumo General Hospital.
According to the commissioner, the additional works include construction of shopping mall of 20 shops to serve as a revenue generating base of the Hospital, a Mosque, electrical and mechanical works as well as fence elevation at the facility among others.
The Commissioner equally revealed that the State Executive Council also approved the sum of One Billion, Fifteen Million Naira as completion cost for the State Sharia Court of Appeal abandoned some ten years ago.
The Commissioner of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, Adamu Dishi Kupto said the State Government has observed with concern, the resurgence of hoodlums disturbing the peace in the state capital.
He said Government is assessing and re-strategising to arrest the ugly situation, and therefore urged law abiding citizens in the state capital to report any suspicious movement to the State Rapid Response Squad using the following numbers: 08035158691 and 09139962191.
Earlier speaking, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Meshack Audu Lauco had while listing the activities lined up for the Inauguration ceremony of Governor Inuwa and his Deputy for Second term, said there will be special Juma’at prayer and a valedictory session of the State Executive Council on Friday.
He said a cultural night/ gala is expected to hold on Saturday to be followed by a Thanksgiving service on Sunday. The Inauguration of the Governor and his Deputy will be the climax of the activities on Monday, 29th May, 2023.
The Executive Secretary, Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sa’adu Adamu, on Thursday said 2,556 intending pilgrims would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia from Gombe through Air Peace Airlines this year.
Adamu told newsmen in Gombe that the first batch were expected to leave on June 3, and would be in about nine batches because the Aircraft is small.
According to him, the board had chosen the airline because it was confirmed to be new, while hoping that the process of transporting the intending pilgrims will be completed within nine days.
He said following the ongoing reconstruction in Saudi Arabia, the accommodation used for previous pilgrimages had been changed to other buildings, but within the location.
Adamu said the board had decided to maintain the area because the state was used to the environment and hence the efforts made to secure the accommodation for the intending pilgrims.
On the issue of fees increment of 250 dollars per pilgrim, the executive secretary explained that the Federal Government had intervened to subsidise with 150 dollars per pilgrim.
He added that the State Government had also weighed in to reduce from the intending pilgrims Duty Tour Allowances (BTA) of 800 dollars to lessen the burden on them.
He said the increment became necessary because of the extra fuel the airlines would burn to go round Sudan, where the conflict in the country could not allow planes to fly above it.
