By, Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchi
The Gombe State Government has issued a strong rejoinder to recent claims by the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), dismissing allegations of repression and violence as misleading and unfounded.
According to the statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration remains committed to peace, stability, and democratic engagement.
Officials emphasized that Gombe is a peaceful state with tolerant, law-abiding citizens. Allegations of “increasing violence” or “impunity” were described as exaggerated and unsupported by facts.
“Those who live and work in Gombe, as well as security agencies, journalists and independent observers, can attest to this reality,” the statement noted.
Governor Yahaya is credited with tackling inherited security challenges through:
Firm leadership and collaboration with security agencies
Community-based peacebuilding initiatives
Zero tolerance for thuggery and political violence
While acknowledging that no society is immune to isolated incidents, the government insisted that Gombe remains more stable than many comparable environments.
The rejoinder accused TIB of recycling old cases and unrelated incidents in an attempt to tarnish the state’s image. In the specific case referenced, authorities reportedly acted promptly with investigations and disciplinary measures contradicting claims of complicity.
The government criticized civil rights groups for blurring the line between advocacy and political sensationalism, warning that such tactics risk credibility.
“Human rights advocacy thrives on accuracy, balance, context and fairness, not conjecture or inflammatory conclusions,” Misilli stressed.
Governor Yahaya was portrayed as a leader who encourages young people to contribute productively through education, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship — not violence. His administration, the statement said, promotes constructive dissent and democratic engagement.
The rejoinder closed with a call for calm and confidence among Gombe citizens, reaffirming that governance in the state will continue to be guided by peace, justice, and the rule of law.
“Truth, not propaganda, will always prevail,” the statement concluded.
End
