The Government of Gombe State has reacted to a statement by Amnesty International regarding an alleged assault involving an individual attached to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, describing the claims as a mischaracterisation of an isolated incident.
In a viral video the driver was seen throwing punches on the councillor, who was sitting on a motorcycle.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, said the government was concerned about what it described as “sweeping conclusions and unfounded generalisations” contained in Amnesty International’s publication.
“While the Government does not in any way trivialise or excuse acts of violence, it is deeply concerned by the manner in which Amnesty International rushed to conclusions that misrepresent both the facts of the incident and the character of the Gombe State Government,” Misilli stated.
According to the government, the individual involved in the incident acted strictly in a personal capacity and not under the authority, instruction, or direction of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya or the state government.
“It is important to clearly state that the individual acted in his personal capacity. Any attempt to portray this isolated incident as official government policy or evidence of a so-called ‘culture of impunity’ is inaccurate, unfair, and misleading,” the statement read.
Misilli stressed that the administration of Governor Yahaya, maintains zero tolerance for violence, abuse of power, thuggery, or lawlessness.
“Contrary to the claims made, this administration has consistently demonstrated respect for human rights, freedom of expression, political plurality, and the rule of law. The Government does not condone taking the law into one’s hands under any circumstance, regardless of provocation,” he said.
The government also expressed disappointment that Amnesty International allegedly failed to seek its position before going public.
“It is regrettable that a globally respected human rights organisation would issue such a statement without adequate fact-checking or engagement with the Government, especially on an issue still undergoing internal review,” Misilli noted.
He assured the public that the matter is already being handled through appropriate internal mechanisms.
“Appropriate internal mechanisms have been activated to address the matter in line with the law and established procedures. Due process will be followed, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement assured.
The government further cautioned against politicising the incident or attempting to implicate the Governor and the state administration in what it described as a purely individual matter.
“We strongly caution against attempts to politicise this issue or deliberately drag the name of the Governor and the Government into an incident that is clearly personal in nature,” Misilli warned.
Reaffirming the state’s democratic credentials, the statement added, “Gombe State remains a place where dissenting opinions are tolerated, civic space is protected, and political engagement is encouraged. These democratic values will continue to be upheld.”
The government called on Amnesty International and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public engagements.
“Stakeholders are urged to engage constructively, verify facts thoroughly, and avoid broad accusations that do not reflect the reality on the ground, as such statements only mislead the public and undermine trust,” the statement concluded.
The Gombe State Government reiterated its commitment to peace, justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens.
