By Hon. Hamza Ahmad Bello
The Gombe State Coalition of Political Civil Societies and Association has raised concerns over recent political developments in the state, particularly the activities and public engagements of political candidates and actors ahead of the forthcoming political contest.
The coalition expressed particular concern over what it described as the conduct, utterances and political approach of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, during his recent visit to Dukku Local Government Area and at political gatherings and interactions within Gombe metropolis.
Coalition Raises Concern Over Political Conduct
In a public statement, the coalition said it strongly condemned any attitude, statement, conduct or political engagement capable of creating tension, promoting division, provoking political hostility or undermining the long-standing peace, unity and harmonious relationship among the people of Gombe State.
According to the coalition, Gombe State has historically maintained a political culture founded on mutual respect, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible political engagement.
It therefore warned that no political candidate, party, supporter or group should introduce political practices capable of threatening the unity and stability that residents of the state have collectively built and protected over the years.
Coalition Calls for Responsible Political Campaigns
The coalition acknowledged that every political candidate has the constitutional right to campaign, associate, mobilise supporters and present political ideas to the electorate.
However, it stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the provisions of the law, electoral regulations and accepted standards of peaceful political conduct.
The group called on Prof. Isa Ali Pantami and all other political candidates and party leaders to demonstrate maturity, restraint, tolerance and respect for the people and political institutions of Gombe State.
It urged political actors to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes, development plans and constructive ideas rather than actions or utterances that could generate unnecessary tension or weaken public confidence in the political process.
Gombe Coalition Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Monitor Political Activities
The Gombe State Coalition of Political Civil Societies and Association also called on relevant security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders to closely and impartially monitor the political activities of all political parties and candidates.
The coalition specifically mentioned the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other registered political parties, urging stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Constitution, electoral laws, campaign regulations and public-order requirements.
Group Says Gombe Is Greater Than Any Political Ambition
The coalition said it would not support or tolerate any individual or group whose conduct could endanger public peace, encourage political division or destabilise the unity and peaceful coexistence of the people of Gombe State.
It maintained that Gombe State is greater than the ambition of any individual, political party or candidate, stressing that political competition must not be allowed to destroy the peace, unity, mutual respect and collective progress of the state.
The group therefore urged all political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, avoid inflammatory language, respect opposing views, uphold the rule of law and promote peaceful, issue-based and development-oriented political campaigns.
“Politics is not war. Gombe State must remain peaceful, united, and progressive before, during, and after every political contest,” the coalition said.
The Bureau Journal reports that the statement comes amid heightened political activities in Gombe State as political parties and their candidates prepare for the forthcoming political contest.
SIGNED:
HON. HAMZA AHMAD BELLO
Ag. Chairman
Gombe State Coalition of Political Civil Societies and Association
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