Gombe philanthropist accuses Yahaya of political victimisation

File photo: Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya.

Gombe philanthropist and businessman, Ahmed-Shuaibu Gara has alleged that the state governor, Muhammadu Yahaya is victimising him for his political views and interests across the state.

 Following the allegation, Gara, on Thursday, announced the suspension of his community intervention projects in Gombe State, insisting that his decision is motivated by Yahaya’s political victimisation, which also involves some of the governor’s associates.

 Arewa PUNCH learnt among the suspended initiatives were: 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.

 This was contained in a statement obtained by our correspondent which read in parts that the suspension would remain in force until further notice.

 The statement noted that the decision followed what the Gara described as a conspiracy and coordinated campaign of political victimisation against him.

 According to the statement, the projects, implemented under the Green with Green and the Gombe Grassroot Movement were established and solely funded by Gara to promote youth development, identify talents and foster peaceful coexistence across the state.

 It pointed out that the initiatives had provided platforms for nurturing young talents, strengthening community relationships and promoting unity among residents.

 Further explaining the reason for the suspension, Gara Gombe alleged that some associates of Governor Yahaya and the governor himself were involved in actions orchestrated to frustrate his activities.

 He also accused some magistrates and police personnel of being used to intimidate and harass him.

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 “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 read further.

 Gara reportedly insists his political positions 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, meanwhile, disclosed that Gara, has petitioned the relevant authorities, including the courts, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission, seeking appropriate action.

 The business was said to have maintained that the suspension was necessary to enable him 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.

 Our correspondent highlighted further that the suspension affected 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.