By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The recent suspension of the operations of Gombawa Motors at the Ibrahim Dankwambo Mega Park has continued to generate public debate, with a former Special Adviser on Public Communication, Ahmed Shuaibu, to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, calling on the state government to reconsider the decision.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook timeline on Monday, the former aide and football administrator expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the ban, noting that conflicting explanations had emerged regarding the action.
According to him, one account suggested that the transport company was sanctioned for allegedly providing vehicles to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Isa Ali Pantami, while another claimed the company had repeatedly violated operational guidelines governing activities at the mega park.
“The version that attracted the greatest public sympathy was that the company was punished for hiring its vehicles to Isa Pantami, while other accounts alleged persistent breaches of the park’s regulations,” he stated.
He argued that if the action was indeed linked to the company’s commercial relationship with the PDP candidate, such a decision would be difficult to justify, maintaining that every private transport operator reserves the right to conduct legitimate business without political interference.
“If, however, the issue is the repeated violation of operational rules, then the timing of the sanction is unfortunate. A less severe administrative measure such as a fine or internal disciplinary action would have achieved the same objective without generating unnecessary public controversy,” he added.
The former aide also criticised what he described as the government’s handling of the ensuing public relations challenge, saying various interest groups had mounted an aggressive defence of the decision instead of allowing the management of the facility to address the matter.
He urged the administration to adopt a more conciliatory approach, stressing that governments should focus on building public confidence, resolving grievances and strengthening relationships with citizens rather than creating avoidable disputes.
While reaffirming his admiration for Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s developmental achievements, he cautioned that unpopular decisions and growing public dissatisfaction could have political consequences as the state approaches another election cycle.
He further alleged that some individuals within the government were not providing the governor with objective advice, warning that such actions could undermine the administration’s public image.
The former adviser appealed to the government to lift the restriction placed on Gombawa Motors, arguing that tolerance, dialogue and fairness remain essential ingredients of democratic governance.
According to him, governments should always strive to unite citizens, accommodate differing political opinions and ensure that administrative decisions are guided by justice, transparency and the public interest.