Gombe state Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has ordered assessment of the damages incurred during the #endbadgovernance protest in the state on Thursday.
Gov. Yahaya directed the Ministry of Works, Transport and Housing and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the losses with a view to supporting the affected parties.
WikkiTimes reports that the protest turned violent in Gombe state where police confirmed looting and destruction of properties by the hoodlums.
In a statement issued by the Director General, Press-affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya, in a visit to the affected facilities on Friday, described the damages as enormous which should not be accepted as a means of expressing legitimate feelings.
The Governor visited the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, the famous Bima Lodge, Kumbiya-Kumbiya Primary Healthcare Centre, Blue Jay Motor Park– a commercial motor company where six Sienna vehicles were destroyed, and Gombe Main Market where he engaged with business owners and offered words of consolation for the losses.
“I have gone round to personally assess the extensive damage caused by the violent protest. From what I have seen, the destruction is enormous. Not just public facilities, businesses were also affected”,
“Gombe is known for its peace, and we must preserve it. We cannot allow actions that threaten our stability. We have no state other than Gombe. We understand that there are challenges and hardships in the land, but we must not resort to violence and destruction of our state to express our feelings or concerns”, the Governor said.
“Let me make it clear: we are not against peaceful protest. We know that democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s event contradicted democratic principles and violated the law. We are ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are ready to give protesters the maximum protection to exercise their constitutional rights once they follow the laid down rules. What we cannot allow, let me re-emphasize, is the breakdown of law and order”,he said.
While commending the law enforcement for their swift reactions towards curbing the crisis, the Governor urged residents to go about their normal activities as there was no need for curfew as it will further aggravate the already hard times.
“I urge everyone to resume their daily activities; farmers should return to their farms and business owners should reopen their shops. No one should panic. We assure you of safety and security.”
“We commend the security agencies for the efforts they put in tackling the escalation of the violence. Their prompt action played a crucial role in preventing further chaos and restoring order.”
 to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the losses with a view to supporting the affected parties. ){kind=link}