News

Breaking: Gombe Suspends Selection Of New Traditional Ruler Of Tangale

Published

5 years ago

February 20, 2021

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has suspended all proceedings leading to the selection of a new traditional ruler of Tangale Chiefdom until peace is fully restored to the troubled area which has seen days of violent protests.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced the decision in a statewide broadcast shortly after returning from Billiri where he went to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the violence.

The Governor, on behalf of the Gombe State Government extended his condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives or properties in the unfortunate incident.

He assured the people of the State that in line with his oath of office, he will do everything within his powers to protect the lives and property of the citizenry.

“We are a people known for our cherished peace and stability. Violence, sectarianism and extremism have no place in our culture and tradition, those conflict merchants who seek to profit from this violence by setting brothers upon brothers, families upon families, and communities upon communities, will soon be made to face the full wrath of the law”.

He recalled that following the demise of His Royal Highness, late Abdu Buba Maisheru II, and in line with established laws and traditions, his administration had set in motion the process for the selection of a new Mai.

The process, he said was transparent and devoid of any interference, leading to the forwarding of three (3) recommended candidates by the Tangale traditional Kingmakers, from among whom his administration will select the one to fill the vacant stool of Mai Tangle as the law provides.

“As Governor, I approached the Mai Tangale succession process with high sense of responsibility because, as part of Gombe State’s cultural tradition, any decision I take will have far reaching implication on not only the Tangale chiefdom but the entire Gombe State”.

This was why the Governor said, his administration would have to undertake widespread consultations, conduct background checks and engage in personal reflection in order to arrive at a decision that is in the best interest of the people and the state.

“Let it be clear that it is within my powers as governor to appoint any of the three recommended candidates to become the new Mai Tangle. Let it also be clear that no official pronouncement was made about any candidate before, during and after the eruption of violence in Billiri Local Government Area”.

He said the violence was orchestrated by some unpatriotic individuals who thought they could blackmail the government into announcing their preferred candidate.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also made it clear that his administration will never cow into any blackmail, threat, intimidation or witch-hunt from any individual or group no matter how highly placed.

He said, “the people of Gombe State have a history of peaceful coexistence and interrelationship among our various tribes and religions”.

This relationship according to the Governor should not be allowed to suffer because of the selfish interest of some violent minority who seek to turn the succession process into a religious contest.

“The succession battle is a Tangale cum Gombe State affair and all the three recommended candidates are eminently qualified Tangale princes by virtue of their royal ancestry to the Mai Tangale stool”.

He said by history, and in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, religion is not a criteria in selecting the new Mai Tangale or any public officer for that matter.

The Governor said the eruption of violence in Billiri LGA has left his administration with no option than to declare a 24-hour curfew to further stem the spread of violence, loss of lives and destruction of property.

“To this end, Government is withholding any decision on the new Mai Tangale until normalcy returns to the affected communities”.

The Governor noted with dismay the dangerous campaign of incitement and polarization waged by some unscrupulous elements on social media, saying government will vigorously discharge its role of protecting innocent citizens and combating criminality and violence anywhere in Gombe State.

He called on traditional, religious and opinion leaders to prevail on their people on the need to remain calm, peaceful and law abiding.

He equally called on the media to refrain from promoting fake news and other divisive and inciteful narratives, adding that government in collaboration with relevant security agencies has put in place adequate measures to ensure the protection of lives and property of all the people living in Gombe State.

“Our cherished peace and stability in Gombe State is bigger than the selfish interest or ambition of any individual or group”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya used the opportunity to thank the good people of Gombe State and friends across the world for their continued support and prayers, especially in these trying times.

He said his administration will continue to pursue its genuine developmental agenda for the people across all areas of economic and social endeavors.

“We will neither be blackmailed nor distracted from our noble path of maintaining peace, promoting friendly coexistence and delivering democratic dividends to all our people”.

He said the task of providing peace and development in Gombe State is a collective responsibility that all men and women of goodwill should join hands to promote.

News

Ganduje Hints at Reconciling with Kwankwaso

Published

2 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended an olive branch to his longtime political rival, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Ganduje expressed a desire to mend fences and reunite for the progress of Kano State.

“I am hopeful that very soon we will reconcile with Kwankwaso so we can move forward together. We have shared a political camp in the past and remain brothers,” Ganduje stated.

Emphasizing a departure from past rivalries, he noted that current political realignments in Kano have ushered in a new era of cooperation focused on governance rather than conflict.

“With the present realignment, the politics of rivalry in Kano may be over. Our priority now is delivering good governance to our people,” Ganduje explained. “If Governor Abba Yusuf succeeds, we all succeed—and if we succeed, he also succeeds. It is vital for all of us to understand this so that the government can thrive.”

Ganduje, drawing from his experience as former APC National Chairman, added that his tenure provided him with deep insight into party operations and conflict resolution mechanisms.

When questioned on whether Governor Abba Yusuf would receive an automatic ticket in future elections, Ganduje acknowledged party conventions while underscoring adherence to established rules.

“I am familiar with the party’s workings. There are rules and there are traditions. The tradition grants a sitting governor the right of first refusal, though this principle does not extend to other positions,” he clarified.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was anointed by his predecessor and long time political associate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the 2015 general elections after which the duo fell out in March 2016 due to some differences that suddenly emerge less than a year into the tenure of Dr Ganduje as Governor of Kano state.

News

JUST IN: Work Resumes at FCTA Following Court Order Suspending Strike

Published

2 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Normal operations resumed at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariat and its affiliated Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Wednesday, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordering the suspension of an ongoing industrial action.

The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, on Tuesday directed the immediate suspension of the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to allow for continued dialogue.

In response to the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, called on all employees to return to their posts promptly. While acknowledging the right to lawful protest in a democracy, the Minister emphasized the importance of respecting judicial directives.

To ensure full compliance, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular dated January 27, 2026, instructing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies to reopen offices and maintain strict staff attendance registers. The circular directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals, and Agencies to enforce the immediate resumption of duties.

Observations across various FCTA offices and MDAs on Wednesday indicated a substantial level of compliance, with staff present on the premises and engaged in their official responsibilities.

The FCTA administration has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with union representatives and to the continued improvement of staff welfare.

News

Reps Summons Finance, Agriculture Ministers, Auditor-General Over Agricultural Funds

Published

2 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids, and Grants Programmes has summoned the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Auditor-General of the Federation, to account for expenditure on agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.

The summons was issued during a public hearing held in Abuja on Tuesday, where lawmakers demanded explanations regarding funds released for key agricultural initiatives over the past decade.

The committee directed the officials, or their duly authorized representatives, to appear before it on February 3, warning that failure to comply would result in legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in the National Assembly.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Jamo Aminu (APC-Katsina), stated that the investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds intended to boost food production, support farmers, and enhance national food security.

“The interventions under review were designed to strengthen our agricultural sector and ensure food security for all Nigerians. However, persistent concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices, and the effectiveness of past programmes have made this scrutiny imperative,” Rep. Aminu said.

The chairman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for its failure to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes during the specified period.

He emphasized that comprehensive audit documentation is essential for tracking the disbursement, utilization, and outcomes of the funds.

“We cannot effectively conduct this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes. Transparency and accountability in this process are non-negotiable,” he stated.

Earlier in the hearing, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, a Deputy Director from the Office of the Auditor-General, attributed the lack of completed audit reports to insufficient cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to Adamu, the Auditor-General’s office has repeatedly requested necessary documents related to agricultural subsidies, grants, aids, and intervention programmes but has not received the required information from the ministry.

“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without their cooperation, finalizing the audit process has been challenging,” he explained.

The hearing continues as part of the House’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and ensure that public funds are used effectively for national development.