The Gombe state government has reacted to a viral video showing a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor physically assaulting a serving councillor in Gombe metropolis, assuring that internal mechanisms have been activated to address the incident in line with the law.

The aide, identified as Adamu Danko, attached to the Chief of Staff to the governor was captured on camera repeatedly slapping a councillor, Dan Buba, in an alley within the state capital. In the footage, the councillor was seen seated on a motorcycle, pleading and apologising in an apparent attempt to calm the situation, while voices believed to be associates of the aide were heard in the background making provocative remarks.

During the altercation, Danko was also heard verbally abusing the councillor, questioning his status and making reference to the Chief of Staff to the Governor. The incident has since triggered public outrage and renewed debate over abuse of power by public office holders.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the assault allegedly followed the circulation of an audio recording purportedly linked to the councillor, in which he was accused of claiming that he received N30 million to slap the Chief of Staff to the Gombe State Government, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, who is said to be Danko’s principal.

Reacting in a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the state government distanced itself from the aide’s actions, stressing that the incident was an individual act and not carried out on the instruction or authority of the Governor or the government.

The government emphasised that it does not condone violence, abuse of power or lawlessness under any circumstance, adding that portraying the incident as reflective of official policy was inaccurate and misleading.

According to Misilli, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has maintained zero tolerance for thuggery and has consistently upheld human rights, political plurality and the rule of law.

The government further disclosed that due process has been initiated to review the matter, assuring the public that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with established procedures.

It also cautioned against politicising the incident or dragging the Governor and the state government into what it described as a personal matter, noting that such attempts could undermine public trust.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the government stated that Gombe State remains a place where dissenting opinions are tolerated, civic space is protected and accountability is enforced. (The Sun, but headline rejigged)