TIM expresses worry over dismantling of checkpoints in Gombe State
By Chima Azubuike
Tangale Intelligentsia Movement, on Tuesday said the governor’s order for the dismantling of checkpoints within the state five days to gubernatorial election was suspicious, adding that there are indication that desperate politicians would unleash terror on communities using armed thugs.
Muhammadu Yahaya through his Commissioner for Information and Culture had announced an order directing the dismantling of all security check points within the state and 12am to 6am closure for checkpoints around border areas.
TIM stated this in a statement signed by Barrister Mela Maimuruci, Publicity Secretary, warning that the checkpoints should have been consolidated for maintenance of orderliness.
Maimuruci noted that the dismantling contravenes regular security procedures, stressing that it would expose residents to risk of harm especially with alleged possible invasion of armed thugs sponsored by desperate politicians to unleash harm.
The statement partly read, “As a people of Gombe South we wish to draw the attention of the world to the abrupt dismantling of all roadblocks within Gombe State, just five days to the Governorship election scheduled for 11th March, 2023. The sudden development raised suspicion in the minds of many from different parts of the State.
“We also Note that this action contradicts basic security procedural norms everywhere in the world. It is common knowledge that some forms of restrictions are placed on the vehicular movement and persons during voting processes, to minimise the risks of violence that may disrupt the exercise and impinge on the integrity of the elections
“We are worried that Gombe State is dismantling this security measure instead of consolidating it for a hitch-free election. Moreso, this is coming at a time when there are pervasive, though unconfirmed rumours of a plan by some desperate politicians to dispatch armed political thugs across all the nooks and crannies of the State to unleash mayhem and impose themselves as elected leaders in the coming elections.”
While urging residents to embrace self defence mechanism, appealed to the governor to rescind his order, reminding him that as Chief Security Officer, he would be blamed for whatever negative consequences the dismantling yield.
“Our amiable Governor Inuwa Yahaya must therefore not lose his foresight on the antics of these desperate politicians, because as the chief security officer of the state he is to solely take responsibility for any breach of peace as a result of this singular measure.
“We want to cease this opportunity to call on the Governor of Gombe State to reconsider or to at least, temporarily suspend this ill-conceived security action in order to disassociate his respected administration from the consequences this measure may breed during the scheduled election. In the same manner, we urge all security agencies, elder statesmen, political appointees and all stakeholders to carefully weigh the implications of this action and advise our peace loving Governor accordingly, so as to shield his Government from responsibility.
“Lastly, we want to call on our people to be vigilant. Be ready for the worst, don’t be taken unawares, but be sure to operate within the ambit of the law. As a measure of self defense, prepare local checkpoints within your various communities to control movement of unauthorised persons. Note that this is an interim measure while waiting for the response of the people’s governor,” Maimuruci added.
