Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has suspended his community intervention projects in Gombe State, alleging political victimisation involving Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and some associates of the governor.
The suspended initiatives include the ongoing Emir’s Championship Cup, which has reached the semi-final stage, and activities planned to commemorate the centenary of Hassan Central Primary School, Gombe.
Gara Gombe announced the decision in a statement signed by his media aide, Azubuike Nathaniel, saying the suspension would remain in force until further notice.
He said the decision followed what he described as a conspiracy and coordinated campaign of political victimisation against him.
According to the statement, the projects, implemented under the Green with Green (GWG) and Gombe Grassroot Movement (GGM), were established and solely funded by Gara Gombe to promote youth development, identify talents and foster peaceful coexistence across the state.
The statement said the initiatives had provided platforms for nurturing young talents, strengthening community relationships and promoting unity among residents.
Explaining the reason for the suspension, Gara Gombe alleged that some associates of Yahaya and the governor himself were involved in actions intended to frustrate his activities.
He also accused some magistrates and police personnel of being used to intimidate and harass him.
“The situation has taken a political dimension, particularly following his declaration of support for Professor Isa Ali Pantami and his earlier endorsement of the Gombe State Accountant-General, Aminu Yuguda, as his preferred candidate for governor,” the statement said.
Gara Gombe reportedly believes his political positions have strained his relationship with the Yahaya administration, alleging that some individuals with business and political ties to the governor are working against him.
He further expressed concern over what he described as the involvement of some individuals within the judiciary and the Nigeria Police Force in efforts to intimidate him and frustrate his activities.
The statement said he had petitioned the relevant authorities, including the courts, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission, seeking appropriate action.
Gara Gombe said the suspension was necessary to enable him to address the issues and seek legal remedies.
“In view of these developments, Gara Gombe said he would suspend all his community intervention projects until he had stabilised his situation and established his fundamental rights within the Gombe community,” the statement added.
The suspension affects the Emir’s Championship Cup, which is already at the semi-final stage, as well as the planned centenary activities for Hassan Central Primary School.
The school’s centenary was intended to commemorate 100 years of its existence, from 1924 to 2024.