Governor Yahaya Fires Aides Over Assault

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has moved swiftly to address a viral scandal within his administration, ordering the immediate termination of four senior aides linked to the physical assault of a local official. The decisive action comes on the heels of a wave of public indignation and a formal investigation into the mistreatment of Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff, the councillor representing Shamaki Ward. For the state government, the dismissals serve as a stark warning that official titles will not provide a shield for lawless behavior.

The controversy erupted following an incident on December 15, which was captured in a widely circulated video. In the footage, an official was seen being subjected to physical violence along Science 2 Road in the Gombe metropolis. The victim, a serving councillor, was allegedly targeted after making critical remarks regarding the Chief of Staff to the Governor. The brutality shown in the video prompted immediate condemnation from human rights organizations and opposition figures, who described the act as a dangerous display of impunity.

Following the outcry, Governor Yahaya constituted a special investigative committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the attack. The committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, worked alongside security agencies to verify the identities and roles of those involved. Their final report confirmed that several political appointees had stepped far beyond their legal mandates, engaging in conduct that undermined the integrity of the state government.

Acting on the committee’s findings, the Governor authorized the removal of Adamu Abdullahi Danko, who served as Senior Special Assistant II on Domestic Affairs. Also dismissed were Garba Mohammed Mai Rago, SSA II on Political Matters; Rabiu Sulaiman Abubakar, SSA II on Social Media; and Ali Ibrahim Baban Kaya, SSA II on Community Relations. The sweeping nature of the dismissals suggests that the administration is eager to distance itself from any perception of state-sponsored intimidation.

A spokesperson for the Governor, Ismaila Uba Misilli, emphasized that the sackings are effective immediately. The former aides have been instructed to return all government property in their possession, including vehicles and official identification, to the appropriate authorities. The move is seen by many as a necessary step to restore public trust in an administration that has recently faced accusations of fostering a “toxic climate of fear” for political critics.

The Governor’s office has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward violence and the misuse of public office. In a state that has prided itself on relative stability, the viral assault was viewed as a significant blot on its reputation. By taking such public and decisive action against his own appointees, Yahaya is attempting to signal that no individual—regardless of their proximity to power—is above the law or the ethical standards required of public servants.

The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the rights of citizens and local officials to dissent. Human rights groups had earlier warned that the assault on the Shamaki Ward councillor was not an isolated event but part of a growing trend of political repression. The Governor’s response, while praised by some as a firm corrective, has also led to calls for the individuals involved to face formal prosecution in a court of law to ensure full justice for the victim.

As Gombe navigates the fallout of this scandal, the political atmosphere remains charged. The dismissals have been welcomed by civil society groups who had spent days demanding accountability. For Governor Yahaya, the priority now shifts to damage control and ensuring that the remaining members of his cabinet and staff understand that their primary duty is to the law and the people, rather than to the defense of political principals through brute force.

The sacking of these four aides marks one of the most significant internal house-cleanings in the current administration. It serves as a reminder of the power of digital transparency, as the viral nature of the assault video made it nearly impossible for the government to ignore. As the former aides exit their roles, the focus remains on the councillor, Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff, whose ordeal has inadvertently become a litmus test for the rule of law in Gombe State.