CITIZENS COMPASS— The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Gombe State Chapter, expresses deep concern over the reported attack on the convoy of Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, by suspected political thugs in the Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis on.
The incident, which reportedly involved the burning of bonfires, barricading of vehicles and destruction of vehicle windshields, is disturbing and calls for serious attention from all stakeholders committed to peace, security and democratic values in Gombe State.
MURIC considers the safety and security of every citizen a fundamental right that must be protected irrespective of political affiliation, religious persuasion or ideological differences. However, the reported attack is particularly concerning given the prominence of Professor Pantami as a Muslim political figure and an internationally recognised Islamic scholar whose public engagement deserves to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, civility and mutual respect.
We wish to emphasise that political disagreement must never degenerate into intimidation, harassment, physical assault or destruction of property. Democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, peaceful competition and the freedom of citizens to support candidates of their choice without fear of violence.
While we acknowledge the Gombe State Police Command’s confirmation of the incident and its assurance that investigations are ongoing, we urge the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, to ensure a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation that will identify all those responsible and bring any persons found culpable to justice.
We are equally worried that, as reported, no arrests had been made at the time of the police statement. We therefore encourage the police to intensify their efforts and appeal to members of the public who may have credible information, video evidence or other useful intelligence to cooperate with the authorities.
Furthermore, MURIC calls on political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other political stakeholders in Gombe State to exercise restraint and refrain from actions capable of threatening the peace and security of the state. Political ambition must not be pursued at the expense of human lives, public safety and peaceful coexistence.
We also urge the Gombe State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security arrangements around political gatherings and ensure that all candidates and their supporters can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
Our position is clear: No political disagreement is worth the destruction of human lives, property or the peace of our society. The right to political participation must be respected, and violence must never be allowed to become an instrument of political competition.
MURIC, Gombe State Chapter, remains committed to justice, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and the protection of the rights of all citizens. We shall continue to advocate for an environment in which every individual, irrespective of political or religious affiliation, can exercise their constitutional rights freely and safely.
We pray for sustained peace and security in Gombe State and urge all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the people above partisan considerations.
