As Governor I have the sole authority to Install, appoint or depose any chief or emir- Gombe Gov
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, has vowed not surrender his rights and privileges as a governor, going by agitations in recent times on the announcement of new Mai Tangale.
Yahaya stated this on Tuesday, as fallout of the Billiri protests, which culminated in the killing of four persons and destruction of lives and property, while hosting non indigene community comprising people of other ethnic groups at the Government House Banquet Hall.
The community had protested what they termed ‘delay tactics’ of the governor to pronounce the candidate with 5 votes, out of 9 votes, who defeated 2 others who polled 2 each.
He restated his commitment in complying with the spirit and letter of the constitution, adding that he will do anything within the ambit of the law to achieve that.
“I’m telling you in all honesty that i will not surrender my rights and privileges or power as a governor. As a governor I have the sole authority to install, appoint, or depose any chief or emir in Gombe state. It is not my own making but it is God that made it possible for me with your support that whosoever becomes governor can do whatsoever but if he feels he has no conscience that he will allow anything to happen fine and good but me no way I stake my life, I will do whatever to give you cover, protection, to ensure the spirit of the constitution is implemented to the letter,” Yahaya said.
While assuring non indigenes of his administration’s support to making their stay in the state comfort, the governor stressed that perpetrators of the killings and violence will be punished.
Yahaya added, “I’m extending our commitment, commiseration wholeheartedly to give you security to give you cover, not all of us that are bad. Today, 15 of them have been arraigned in court. We shall not leave any stone unturned until we get to the root of this matter, justice must prevail.”
Also speaking, Special Adviser on inter community relations, Chidebelu Ewuzie assured the governor of the support of non indigenes while calling for peace amongst the two recognised faiths.
“You have demonstrated the zeal to carry people along, if not these people will not have been invited. We stand to say we are behind you,” Ewuzie said.
