Oladimeji Ramon

The Coalition of Gombe State Indigenes has faulted Rev . Fr . Ejike Mbaka’ s verdict that the state Governor , Ibrahim Dankwambo , has performed well . The indigenes, in a statement on Wednesday, advised the Enugu – based Catholic priest to visit Gombe first before reaching such a conclusion .

According to them , rather than consolidate on the developmental strides of his predecessors , Dankwambo has reversed the fortunes of the state .

They said Mbaka was not correct in his assessment that Dankwambo , based on his performance in Gombe , would make a better President than President Muhammadu Buhari . The indigenes were reacting to the Catholic priest ’s suggestion that Nigeria needed a capable President as opposed to Buhari , who, he said, had failed .

Mbaka, who is the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministries , Enugu , had, in his New Year Eve sermon, reportedly attacked Buhari , saying the President had failed Nigerians . He said since the North would want to finish its eight – year term in the presidential seat , Dankwambo should be considered as Buhari ’ s replacement .

But rejecting Mbaka’s suggestion, the Gombe indigenes , in a statement by Muhammad Jibrin , said if the priest knew Dankwambo well , he would not have made such a suggestion.

They said, “ If the Rev . Fr . is well apprised of the state of affairs of Gombe State , he will certainly not recommend Governor Dankwambo as a worthy replacement for the great President Buhari . Perhaps , some examples will show Rev . Fr . Mbaka the extent of the damage that Governor Dankwambo has done to our state . ”

They argued that the governor had not only failed to ensure that the indigenes had access to potable water ; he had also ruined the state ’s health, education and aviation sectors .

Barde said Mbaka’ s sudden disapproval of Buhari was suspicious as he had hitherto been known as one of Buhari ’s enthusiasts .

He added , “ Perhaps , Rev . Father Mbaka should come clean and tell Nigerians what his major motivation is in making this recommendation. We are aware he only received a handshake from the frugal President Muhammadu Buhari when he last visited Aso Villa.

“ I advise Father Mbaka to travel to Gombe State and visit the state university, hospitals and water projects in Gombe town and all the other 10 local governments of Gombe State and tell Nigerians his findings .”

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