Posted by By ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, just back from Gombe on
These are certainly not the best of times for former Gombe state governor, Abubakar Adamu Hashidu.
These are certainly not the best of times for former Gombe state governor, Abubakar Adamu Hashidu.
Before now, Hashidu, who appears to be the only one still residing in his home state, out of all the former governors that were uprooted during the 2003 elections, had lived a quiet life in Gombe.
But now, the simmering but lingering political war between him and his successor, appears to be assuming a new dimension.
And as it is, none of the parties can tell the content and dimension the political war would take in the days ahead, as supporters of both men have vowed to spill blood if necessary to protect the interest of their respective political benefactors.
The cause of the latest face-off, Daily Sun, learnt is the threat by the State Government to demolish the former governor's house, located in the GRA.
Incidentally, between the house and the Gombe State Government House is a secondary school and two other houses.
But as revealed by the State Government, through the Commissioner in-charge of Land and Survey, Alhaji Mohammed Magaji Doho, government did not take the decision because the house is close to the seat of power. No!
Rather, he said, government intends to construct an access road to pass through the close.
According to the commissioner, who quoted relevant sections of the Land Use Act to buttress his government, the governor is empowered to hold the land for the people as a public trust.
He added that, apart from the governor having the right to revoke any of such lands, he (governor) or his representative has the power to go into the premises of anyone to inspect such premises.
While justifying the threat to demolish the house, Doho said: "When development came to Gombe, several houses were demolished. But they were paid compensation. In the original Master Plan of Gombe, the road that connects Fantami to GRA is there.
"But you know, people have this habit of building on water ways and public passage. But now that God has brought somebody to work hard and he is trying to change the face of Gombe to make it stand the best of time. Some people are not happy, it is an exercise which he (Hashidu) failed to do when he was in power.
Now somebody in Abuja… people's houses were demolished either because they were either not built in accordance with what was required, or there is a need to provide passage.
"From GRA, if you want to come to Fantami is just about two minutes drive. But if you take long road, it will take you more than five minutes. So, why don't we simplify it. If there is fire outbreak, it will take a longer time before the fire fighters get there. The people too are entitled to their share of the cake.
And their share is to be provided with such amenities. 'Whatever he (Hashidu) chooses to say, he may say it, because he does not want the progress of Gombe."
When contacted, one of the aides of the former governor, told Daily Sun that they are amused by the state government's move, adding that Federal Low Cost Housing Estate(FLCHE) in the state needs road urgently, since there is no single tarred road in that location.
"The truth is that the state government is feeling uncomfortable with the continued presence of my boss in Gombe town. He (Goje) sees his (Hashidu) presence as a threat to him, pure and simple.
"This house you're seeing (pointing at the building) my boss built it in 1982 when he was still the General Manager at River Basin in Yola. In fact, he took a loan of N120,000 from the Bank of North to build the house. The house was eventually built with N89,000 and he used the remaining amount to build another flat in his village.
"You see, they had thought that after the 2003 election, my boss will retire to Bauchi. But because the man feels proud about his administration, he chose to live in the midst of his people.
"But you see even if the house is demolished today, it is not the end of the world, it will not make my boss leave Gombe State. Except of course, if they want to be demolishing every house he moves to," the aide who preferred anonymity said.
He further said that if the state government was sincere about expanding the street, which his boss built on, there is a way it could do it without inflicting pains on the former governor and it would cost the state less.
One thing is however clear: Government is bent on carrying out its threat. And once it attempts to carry out its threat, Hashidu's supporters may also match their words with action. It is only time that will however tell whether or not the two sides will sheath their swords and bury the hatchet.