There is hardly anyone who would doubt the developmental strides achieved by Distinguished Senator Danjuma Goje during his eight years as Governor of Gombe State. His administration was marked by remarkable growth and modernisation, with numerous capital projects that transformed the state and set it on a path of progress.
However, the concern today is that despite being re-elected for a fourth term in the Senate, Senator Goje appears to have lost steam. As a long-serving member of the Red Chamber, he has not been assigned to any significant committee that could enable him to make meaningful contributions to the development of Gombe Central Senatorial District.
While his colleagues—such as Senator Ali Ndume and Senator Barau Jibrin Maliya—are busy implementing billions of naira worth of constituency projects in their respective areas, Senator Goje seems largely absent from the scene. Since his re-election, he has not sponsored any bill that has scaled through the second reading, and his constituents are yet to feel the impact of his representation.
Equally worrisome is the growing perception among young people that Senator Goje has become inaccessible. It is increasingly difficult to find youths under the age of 40 who have direct access to him or benefit from his mentorship or empowerment initiatives. This disconnect has raised questions about his commitment to youth inclusion and the future of leadership development in Gombe Central.
Given his current performance, many constituents are beginning to ask whether it is time for a new face—someone with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and genuine passion for service—to take up the mantle of leadership. Gombe Central deserves active, transparent, and people-centered representation in the Senate.
Senator Goje’s past contributions to Gombe’s development are undeniable, but the present demands a leader who will not only build on that legacy but also respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of the people. The time has come to ask: Do we continue with stagnation, or do we embrace change for progress?
Idris Abubakar, writes from Gombe Central
