Police Quiz Ex-Gov. Goje In Gombe

Source: thewillnigeria.com

SAN FRANCISCO, September 16, (THEWILL) - The men of the Gombe State Police Command Monday quizzed a former governor of the state, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, for over two hours over what they alleged as unlawful political campaign in some parts of the state.

Local sources said the former governor who now represents the state at the Senate was invited by the state Police Commissioner, Abdullahi Kudu Nma, for allegedly embarking on political campaign when the ban on all political activities was still in force in the state.

Goje, who addressed journalists shortly after his release however said: 'I wasn't campaigning but was rather consulting my constituents to know their problems and look into how I can assist them within my power and resources and whatever is beyond my limit, I take it up.'

He called on law enforcement agencies to be fair and just to all Nigerians.

'We are calling on the authorities and security agencies to be fair to all political parties. The Nigerian constitution allows for the existence of different political parties,' he said, stressing that the discussions he had with the Police were fruitful, as they were able to understand themselves.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent, Fwaje Atajiri, said the former Governor was only invited for questioning because he was moving about campaigning with a large number of followers, who were carrying dangerous weapons.

'Senator Goje was invited by the Police for a chat, which went peacefully. He came into town at the weekend, gave us a letter that he was attending a wedding but later we got to know he was holding a campaign rally at Kumo in Akko Local Government Area and some hoodlums were there with all sorts of dangerous weapons,' he said.

Atajiri , who disclosed that the Police had to move into action immediately to forestall any breach of peace, said: 'We did not want to give room for anybody to take advantage and harm the peace that prevails in Gombe. The CP had to invite Goje because the miscreants that were following him were carrying weapons. We will not allow them to take advantage of any personality and wreak havoc on the good people of Gombe.

'The ban on party politicking is still in place and what happened in Kumo was not a constituency visit as claimed by Goje but rather a campaign rally. However he has promised to do everything humanly possible to ensure that Gombe remains peaceful.'

He however assured residents of the state of the security of their lives and property at all times, saying the Command would continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to sustain the peace being enjoyed across the state.