The governor of Gombe State, Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya, has apologized to Christians in the state.
The re-election-seeking governor apologized at a Saturday meeting with leaders of the Gombe state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Government House.
Recall that in 2021, Yahaya refused to introduce Musa Maiyamba, a Christian and LSHTM graduate, as the new Mai (king) of the Tangale kingdom, despite being selected by the kingmakers.
CAN in the state called for a three-day fast and prayers in response to allegations that the governor attempted to impose a Muslim on the kingdom. Also, he was urged to respect the will of the people.
Saturday, without specifying what he was apologizing for, Yahaya stated that his administration may have made some mistakes.
The governor stated that, as a fallible person, he believed it prudent to apologize and seek a new beginning.
Although vowing to perform better in his second term, he stated that the forthcoming elections should be devoid of emotion.
“As a guiding factor, it should be achievement-based and infrastructure development that has a direct impact on the people,” he said.
“As with any human endeavor, I and this government may have made mistakes. I want the assembly to forgive and chart a new direction for the state’s continued progress.”
He praised the people for re-electing him in 2019 and listed some of his administration’s accomplishments, such as the provision of quality healthcare facilities, educational advancement, road development, and the state’s peace and security, among others.
He urged the Christian community to vote for him again to ensure the continued growth of the state.
Abare Kalla, the chairman of the north-eastern CAN, praised the governor for convening the meeting, resolving potential misunderstandings, and requesting pardon for any harm committed by himself or his administration.
At the conclusion of the conference, the Christian community unanimously voted to forgive the governor and committed to support his re-election campaign.
