Historical advancement of Gombe @26 Anniversary
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Gombe State was created in 1st October,1996 by the former Military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha (GCON), after several years of the agitation from the defunct Bauchi State.
The first Pioneer Military Administrator was Group Captain Joseph Orji from 1st October, 1996 to 6th August, 1998. Group Captain Joseph Orji comprehensibly laid the foundation of machinery of Government independently without the take -off grant from the federal Government while some well-meaning people of the state complemented the efforts and vision of the dynamic Group Captain Joseph Orji by donating their residential houses to the state government to serve as offices and accommodations because of paucity of facilities to accommodate the arrival of indigenes’ civil servants then under the pay-roll of Bauchi State Civil service.
Some of the achievements credited to Group Captain J. I Orji within the short time of his administration were 25 number of three bedroom Houses known as Buhari Estate, built and commissioned, establishment of Kaltungo College of Health Technology, Gombe Television, Presidential Lodge fully furnished, State Low-cost Housing Unit for Junior workers and Emir of Gombe Durbar Ground and others.
According to Sani Shuaibu Malumfashi, the Special Assistant to MILad, “a lot more have been achieved in the areas of water supply, agriculture, healthcare delivery, education, women empowerment, roads construction and rehabilitations as well as the completion of the famous Tallese bridge in Balanga local Government which was abandoned for decades despite its political and socio-economic importance to the entire people of the state”.
Others are security of law and order was pronounced, establishment of Shuttle Bus Services, built High Court Complex, State Secretariat Complex, Gombe Roundabout, 80 Housing Unit at Bauchi Road and a host of other achievements were credited to the administration, without a take- off grant from the Federal Government.
The Second Military Administrator who succeeded Group Captain Joseph Orji was late Lt.Col. Mohammed Inuwa Bawa . He was the Pioneer military Administrator of Ekiti State when it was created in October 1st, 1996 before he was posted to Gombe state as the second military administrator of the state. Apart from other achievements such as education, environment, road construction, rural electrification, rural transformation, security and sports development top most priorities in his administration.
He donated a 30-seater bus, plus ten-million-naira donation to enable the premier division soccer club officials to pay all the arrears of players signing-in fees as well as scouting for more capable hands to enhance the team’s performance.
The Administrator, retired Lt.Col. Mohammed Inuwa Bawa also supervised in Gombe state the completion of all elections slated under the transition Programme ushered in by the Head of State, retired general Abdulsalami Abubakar GCON by returning to Civilian Administration on May 29th, 1999 after 15 years of military rule.
It was on this premises that Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu was sworn in as the 1st elected civilian Governor of Gombe State under the platform of All Peoples Party (APP) later to ANPP in May 29th, 1999. The new Governor who have served in various capacities such as a Minister, Chairman of various Boards and Parastatals, was desirous of repositioning the Government to greater heights when he patriotically declared, “I declared that we will run a people oriented government, our goals are the improvement of infrastructure, the provision of quality and affordable education, efficient health care, increased agricultural production and the creation of enabling environment for investors”.
Some of the milestones achievements of Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu within the first term are Construction of Deputy Governor’s New office complex, Construction of Hashidu Housing Estate now Shongo Housing Estate, awarded contract for the construction of Gombe International Hotel, Construction of Information and Media Complex which serve as the Headquarters of the Ministry of Information and the Gombe Radio and Television stations, Construction of Radio and TV studios and purchase of new transmitters.
Others are Construction of Legislators quarters, Construction of the ministry of women affairs complex and furnishing, Establishment of Investment and Property Development Company (GSIPDC), Acquired and furnished a new liaison office at Abuja, Completion of Bajoga Hotel and a host of notable achievements.
Apart from these resounding achievements agriculture and rural electrification was accorded top priority such as the establishment of fertilizer blending company, Electrification of Lafiya-Kwagol- Malala Zaune in Dukku L.G.A, reactivation of poultry production unit in Gombe town, Zange rural electrification in Dukku and Electrification of Kufai.
Also, Water supply was a big challenge under the administration of Late Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu which led to the awarded of construction work of Gombe Dadin Kowa Regional Water Scheme and Gombe township water supply expansi scheme along bypass Gombe Rehabilitation of Kaltungo, Kumo, Hashidu and Gelengu water schemes as well as Gully erosion control projects at Bogo, Birin.
In spite of these milestones achievements, the Governor Hashidu was massively defeated by the Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Goje under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in a keen contested general elections. Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Goje who is now a Senator of the Federal Republic after completing his two –terms of 4 years each, which brought about unimaginable transformational policies and programmes that massively and unarguably impacted positively in the lives and welfare of the people of Gombe state, no doubt, was regarded as the “father of Modern Gombe state”, by some political pundits in the state and dominated the political space in the state, a providence no Governor since the coming on board of democratic governance in the state could not break the records till date.
Also, writing about the achievements of political titan, Danjuma Goje- led administration in Gombe state is like trying to catch up with a moving train that has passed million miles away from its usual station and such connoisseurs involves transparency, versatility, visionary, prudent, accountability, commitment, supervision of works done, courage, fearless and dedication to achieve such a resounding record as Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje did within his eight consecutive years as Governor of the state. The second civilian governor ruled Gombe State from 29th May 2003 – 29th May 2011.
Under his tenure, Gombe witnessed monumental infrastructural development in line with mission statement which says, “for better and for good, to transform Gombe into a Model and shining example -of State creation, we will continue to pre-occupy the attention of this administration with the support of the good people of Gombe State and the carefully selected team of cabinet in collaboration with the State workforce, we shall leave no stone unturned to accomplish this transformation drive”.
Some of the records had it that the former Governor and now a senator, Goje established Gombe State University, Construction of Gombe International Airport, upgrading and reconstruction of Pantami Stadium to International Standard, Completion of Gombe International Hotel, Construction of new Jewel Hotel in Abuja, Construction of new Banquet Hall in Government House and establishment of Teachers Service Commission.
The Governor also established School of Nursing and Midwifery, reconstruction, re-equipping andupgrading of Gombe General Hospital to the status of Specialists Hospital, Construction of new General Hospitals at Deba, Talasse and Kashere, Construction of 6 new Cottage Hospitals at Bujude, Mallam Sidi, Hinna, Bambam, Pindiga, Putoki as well as 4 Health Centres at Tula, Biri, Kuri and Tumu, and rehabilitation of School of Health Technology Kaltungo.
In education also witnessed remarkable transformation such as the Upgrading of former Social Development Institute Kumo to College of Administrative and Business Studies, Establishment of 13 vocational centers and the upgrading of 4 to Government Science Technical Colleges located at Kwami, Deba, Akko village and Tula, rehabilitated numerous old and constructed new structures in primary and secondary schools throughout the State.
The pragmatic Goje also established of Farm Training Center at Tumu, Yearly procurement of fertilizers and other farm inputs, Construction of 240 houses consisting of 70 three bedroom units and 170 two bed room units at Tumfure Housing Estate through the State Investment Company, construction of Multi -billion naira Regional water project from Dadin kowa, Rehabilitation of Dukku and Kumo, Boh, Filiya, Bojude and Pindiga water schemes, Construction of several rural and township roads across the state.
Others are Construction of Awak bridge, Completion of the dualisation of Tumfure-Lijji Road, Construction of roads in Gombe Township, Construction of Filiya -Kushi-BurakBanganji
Road, Construction of Baure-Zambuk-Lubo Doltt spur to Diffa, Construction of Todi-Shela-Tudu kwaya
Road, Construction of Billiri-Dongol-Kashere road, Construction of Tula road, Construction Billiri-S/Layi-Dongol Kashere.
In short, political analysts canvassed that Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje is a colossus, a strong player, political guru, an architect of modern Gombe, an administrator and go –getter who completed his tenures and handled over to the Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Ph.D under the same platform of PDP.
According to “the Change leadership, a historical Compendium” by Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo stated “therefore, our attempt on this project however, should not be seen as biased, either sentimental or sensational, but to bring to light the hidden truth of Dankwambo’s achievements, given his “taciturn” nature, who believes in action not too much talks, since taking over the mantle of leadership in 2011”.
The book also listed the milestone achievements recorded by the Dankwambo’s administration from 2011-2015 as 141 different projects executed within the period under review.
“As we bask in the euphoria of the exemplary leadership Dankwambo offered in his first four years, which witnessed a new dawn for the entire citizens of Gombe state, many of us had yearned for a second tenure, so as to enable him continue with the good works and indeed despite the lack of confidence passed on the then ruling party the PDP and considering that this state fell within its rulership, the call for change did not in any way change the collective loyalty and support of the citizens for Dankwambo, as they were not in any doubt that he was going to win his second term.
“Democratically, every citizen has the right to elect any candidate of his choice regardless of which political party he or she belongs to, because the collective assumption revolves around a candidate, who if elected can deliver within the expected context of the desired objective parameter.
“Interestingly, due to the confidence Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, enjoyed since taking over the mantle of leadership in 2011 that continued to end of his first term in office, he comfortably survived the political tsunami of 2015, which swept through most states of the country and brought in change of leadership.”
The second term of Dankwambo was astronomical in consolidating the achievements made in the first term and to initial new policies and programmes for the betterment of the entire citizens and for the posterity to judge.
The 4 elected civilian Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya defeated the PDP dynasty and brought a new platform called All Progressives Party APC in the Government House, Gombe state and changed the narratives for good.
In his Midterm Scorecard on 29th May 2019-29th May 2021, says, “Gombe state of today has tremendously moved forward from where it was on May 29, 2019 when the dynamic administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya came into office as the 4th democratically elected government of the state. One can vividly recall the spectacle as he stood ramrod on the dais at Pantami Stadium taking the oath of office and promising, during his speech, to fulfill all the electoral campaign promises he made to all the 114 electoral wards and over 400 communities he visited to canvass for support in the elections as contained in his campaign manifesto”.
“No doubt, Gombe has faced a lot of challenges in the past two years prompted by the disruptive effects of the Global Covid-19 pandemic, an economic recession, a sharp decline in incomes and revenues, among other uncertainties. Although these ugly trends have affected the quality of lives of the people and greatly undermined governments’ efforts to address development challenges across the World, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has done excellently in all facets and sectors of governance and service delivery.
“This Midterm Scorecard assembles the major achievements recorded by the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya-led administration within its first two years in office. The document showcases the milestones of achievements recorded as a result of the purposeful, focused, visionary, and pragmatic leadership of his Excellency. Divided into three sections, the book presents all the 117 specific campaign promises made by His Excellency, as contained in his 2019 campaign manifesto and provides tangible evidence of the efforts made to deliver on each of 93 promises, made up of projects, policies and programmes, that have either been fully or partially delivered within the two-year period. This is followed by the list of 24 promises that are under consideration which, by the grace of god, will be delivered within the remaining two years of his tenure before the end of the administration’s first term. Apart from the evidence of campaign promises fulfilled, the document also contains a list of other accomplishments recorded by the government outside of the promises contained in the campaign manifesto supported by pictorial evidence in the gallery section.”
In addition, “the document shows indisputable evidence of over 156 capital projects executed in education, over 200 in the health sector and another 100s of other basic infrastructural projects”.
Also, in 3rd Year Scorecard and Progress Report (May29,2019-May29,2022, during the three years of the administration of His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has witnessed remarkable progress in all facets of development and governance despite daunting challenges caused by Global Covid-19 pandemic, socio-economic vicissitudes occasioned by a deep economic recession, a sharp decline in incomes and revenues, among other uncertainties.
Last year,the Governor presented to the good people of Gombe State and beyond his Midterm Scorecard showing the status of the 117 promises contained in his campaign manifesto as well as his other numerous achievements. The document proved beyond reasonable doubt that “Dan Majen Gombe”, as his traditional title, has fulfilled 79% of his 117 campaign promises as of 29 May 2021, in addition to initialing and executing new programmes and policies that directly touched on the lives of the ordinary man in the state.
This year, as part of his commitment to accountability and transparency, he is presenting his Third Year Scorecard and Progress Report. This Scorecard has all sectors and on every front, Education, healthcare delivery and infrastructure have seen unprecedented financing and improvement.
Furthermore, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated foresight for the future of the state and its citizens by investing in environmental protection, economic and social development.
All the while, he has shown engagement with the acute threats facing Gombe by consistently pursuing greater peace and security.
Despite the challenges faced— including Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing global economic recession, a transparent style of leadership prioritizing the needs of the people has prevailed in order to maintain the momentum of progress established by the administration. Even with dwindling revenues and a suffocating debt burden inherited from the previous administration, Gombe state has acquired a front and centre position on the national and even global stage for its developmental leaps in the past three years.
This progress has been driven by the Governor’s dedication to creating impactful policies that will bear fruit for years to come. The outstanding quality of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s style of governance is the consistent execution of all policies promised to the people.
This is what has seen
the development of Gombe in the last three years at an unprecedented rate, incomparable to the past administration. His invaluable qualities mentioned above and his unwavering focus on managing and addressing salient issues and concerns have enabled him to deliver on 85% of his 117 specific campaign promises in three years and supersede expectations in virtually all sectors. As the driving force of the government’s actions, the Governor is pivotal to maintaining the upwards trajectory of tangible growth and improvement that Gombe has witnessed during his tenure. With Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the helm of affairs, Gombe State’s march towards lasting progress and prosperity has just begun. No doubt, a vote to Governor Inuwa yahaya is a vote for continuity, progress, dividends of democracy and peace and harmony.
In fact, the truth remains that Gombe state is blessed with good leaders who have the interests of the people at hearts since the democracy was ushered in and their elected Governors actually performed to their best abilities and continues to do good works compared to other states of the federation.
