Gombe, Gombawa and matters arising (12): Wrong diagnosis leads to bad prescription
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Political analyst and former Special Adviser to the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Gara Gombe Ahmed Shuaibu, has described the recent treatment of former Gombe State Governor and serving Senator, Danjuma Goje, as unfair and politically misguided.
Shuaibu, in a statement posted on his official social media handles at the weekend, said attempts by some political actors to undermine Goje were based on what he described as a “wrong diagnosis” of the senator’s political influence and goodwill.
He, however, said he was setting aside whatever personal differences existed between him and Goje in order to address what he considered an emerging political development in the state.
“I want to excuse any differences I have with Senator Danjuma Goje. I know I have differences with him, he also knows, and many others know. But I take serious exception to the way he is being treated lately, particularly by people he built and helped economically and politically,” he said.
According to him, some of those currently working against Goje benefited from his political network and support over the years.
Shuaibu argued that Goje remained a formidable political force and could not easily be pushed out of the political equation.
“The entire conspiracy against him, the diagnosis of the plan, and the prescriptions were wrong, and it will fail,” he said.
He attributed the alleged opposition to Goje partly to what he described as the pursuit of money, power and influence, warning that political calculations driven by such considerations could produce unintended consequences.
Shuaibu said anyone seeking to challenge Goje politically must understand his network and enduring goodwill before embarking on such a project.
“When you want to bring down someone like Goje, you need people with political brains and analytical minds, not people who are merely looking for opportunities and crumbs. Because by doing otherwise, you make him more popular, and the plan will backfire,” he stated.
He also questioned the rationale behind moves to reconcile Goje with the ruling political establishment, particularly against the backdrop of earlier pronouncements concerning his political status.
Referring to a statement attributed to former APC National Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, now a Commissioner for Information, Shuaibu asked why a reconciliation committee was being sent to Goje if, as previously announced, he had been removed from the party.
He said, “I once came across a video by the former APC PRO, Moses Kyari, now a Commissioner of Information, saying, ‘Mun koreshi a jam’iyya.’ So why are you people now sending a reconciliation committee to him? To reconcile what? Reconcile his dismissal?”.
Shuaibu also recalled the political rise of several individuals whom he said benefited from Goje’s administration and political patronage.
He specifically cited Tanko Isyaku Gwamna, younger brother of APC governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, whom he alleged was brought into prominence by Goje and subsequently served in political positions, including as PDP Treasurer and Commissioner for Works.
He further recalled an incident involving the late former governor,Hashidu y Mohammed Danjuma, while stressing that the issue required separate discussion.
“I was privileged to see late Hashidu shed tears. Hashidu was the first person in my life who brought me into public service,” Shuaibu said.
The political analyst maintained that, irrespective of individual opinions about Goje, the former governor had contributed to the political development of several individuals in Gombe State.
“Hate him or like him, Senator Goje developed and created opportunities for a lot of people. Once he identifies your potential, he moves to develop you. Once he realises your loyalty, he rewards it,” he said.
Shuaibu listed several prominent political figures whom he described as beneficiaries or political associates of Goje, including Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Tanko Gwamna, Dasuki Jalo Waziri, Hajiya Fatima Bello, Senator Haruna Garba, the late Yaya Bauchi, Hajiya Aisha Jibir Dukku, Hon. Inuwa Garba J.J., Rt. Hon. Sadik Kurba, Senator Abdullahi Idris, Ahmed Yayari and Dattuwa Hamma Adama.
He argued that Goje’s extensive political network meant that attempts to sideline him would be difficult.
“How then can someone with these political children be easily destroyed?” he asked.
Describing Goje as “an institution” and “a formidable force,” Shuaibu said he was particularly curious about the concerns surrounding reports that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was considering offering the senator a Senate ticket.
“I am wondering why some people are losing sleep because the PDP is dangling a Senate ticket for him. You announced that you dismissed him, so are you now reversing it?” he asked.
Shuaibu said the political developments surrounding Goje required careful assessment rather than emotional reactions, adding that political actors should understand the senator’s influence before making strategic decisions.
“ To deal with someone with enormous goodwill like Senator Goje, you need brain, not emotions. Use your head, not your heart,” he said.
He indicated that he would continue his commentary on the political developments in subsequent editions.
