Thugs suspected yesterday set up a bonfire along Jekadafari Road, near the family house of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to prevent the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, from entering Gombe town.
The incident took place when Pantami was on his way to the state capital for a political rally on wednesday.
The Gombe State chapter of the PDP organised the rally and reception to honour its governorship candidate, Pantami, after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published his name.
Eyewitnesses said the youths, suspected to be members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stormed the busy road and blocked it with tyres before setting them ablaze.
The burning tyres sent thick black smoke into the air, causing panic among motorists, commuters and residents of Jekadafari area.
Vehicular movement on the road was disrupted for several minutes, as motorists were forced to abandon the route and seek alternative roads to their destinations.
Traders and shop owners around the area were also said to have hurriedly closed their shops for fear that the situation could escalate into a violent clash between rival political groups.
Despite the blockade, Pantami’s motorcade, comprising hundreds of vehicles, was able to force its way through and continue the procession to the venue of the rally.
Supporters in the motorcade cheered and chanted solidarity songs as they navigated through the thick smoke.
Our correspondent reports that another group of youths, armed with dangerous weapons, smashed the windscreens of several vehicles in the motorcade, sparking panic among supporters and other road users.
It took the intervention of security personnel deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from Pantami or his aides regarding the situation.
Also, the Gombe State Police Command was yet to issue a statement on the incident
Meanwhile addressing supporters at the Emir’s Palace, Gombe, Pantami warned the people of Gombe state from voting politicians who he said view the state’s resources as political spoils to be shared after winning an election.
“One of the candidates said that if elected, he would share Gombe’s resources as spoils of war. I want the people of Gombe to understand that this state is not a hunting ground, and its resources are not political spoils
“Gombe’s resources belong to the people of Gombe; they are not spoils of war. What I intend to do is provide jobs for the people, support youths and farmers, and make fertiliser available to boost agricultural production,” he added.
He explained that awarding contracts to local contractors would be part of his strategy to stimulate the state’s economy, noting that such opportunities would enable them to earn income, create jobs and expand their businesses.
In his remarks, the PDP leader in the state, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, thanked party supporters for turning out in large numbers to welcome the party’s governorship candidate and demonstrate their support for him.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the PDP, Abdurrahman Muhammad, called on party leaders, members and supporters to remain united, strengthen the party and work collectively towards securing victory in Gombe State.
