Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday challenged the people of the Tangale community to unite around a common purpose that would promote genuine reconciliation, forgiveness, lasting peace and sustainable development in the area.
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The governor gave the charge when he received members of the Tangale community on a solidarity visit at the Government House, Gombe.
The delegation was led by the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Area, Hon. Eglah Idris, alongside the Mai Tangale, Malam Danladi Maiyamba and other prominent sons and daughters of the community.
While reflecting on the crisis that erupted following the appointment of the Mai Tangale, Yahaya emphasised that true reconciliation and forgiveness are indispensable ingredients for unity, peace and harmonious coexistence.
He noted that although mistakes are inevitable, individuals and communities must demonstrate moral clarity by learning from the past in order to avoid repeating the same errors.
The governor stressed that his relationship with the Tangale community transcends politics, adding, “My family has enjoyed a long-standing bond with the people of Tangale, founded on mutual trust and respect.”
He said that as an individual, and more importantly as governor, he remains committed to upholding the values of relationship-building and inclusiveness instilled in him by his late father, adding that the Tangale community remains dear to his heart.
Yahaya further stressed the importance of unity and peace, not only within the Tangale community but across the state, adding “in view of prevailing security challenges in parts of the country, Gombe State cannot afford actions or behaviours that promote chaos or undermine stability.”
He used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the implementation of people-oriented projects and policies aimed at accelerating economic development, “social advancement and infrastructural expansion in Billiri Local Government Area and across the state,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Council, Hon. Eglah Idris, commended Governor Yahaya for his commitment to the welfare of the people of Billiri LGA and Gombe State at large.
She appealed to the governor to temper justice with mercy over the actions of a few misguided individuals, “they do not represent the collective will or character of the Tangale community,” she added.
She reeled out several developmental projects executed by the Inuwa Yahaya administration in Billiri Local Government Area, spanning health, education, infrastructure, trade facilitation and other key sectors.
Also speaking, a leading voice in the Tangale Chiefdom and elder statesman, Ambassador Mohammed Saidu Fawu, praised the governor for his patience, maturity and leadership in the face of provocative statements made by some disgruntled individuals after the crisis.
He explained that the unrest that followed the appointment of the Mai Tangale was not spontaneous, but rather an orchestrated effort by a few elements who did not mean well for the Chiefdom and the state.
Ambassador Fawu called on the people of the area to draw lessons from the past and work towards building a more enduring bond that would guarantee peace and attract development.
In their remarks, the members representing Billiri East and Billiri West constituencies in the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Daniel and Hon. Nimrod Malon, respectively, thanked Governor Yahaya for presiding over an administration that places premium on inclusiveness and well-being of the people.
They assured the governor of the continued support of the Tangale people for his policies and programmes, pledging that as legislators, they would continue to push for laws that would fast-track development across the state.
Similarly, Dr Arabs Rukuje expressed gratitude to Yahaya for demonstrating inclusive leadership by accommodating diverse ideological and political viewpoints.
He urged the governor to disregard what he described as the voices of a few individuals attempting to project themselves as the collective voice of the Tangale community. He also stressed forgiveness and reconciliation as the best way forward.
