In what seems a season of harassment in Nigerian political space, the Gombe State Acting Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, has insisted that he was verbally harassed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya during their flight from Gombe to Abuja on Monday (10/03/2025).
The SDP Chairman was reacting to the denial of the incident by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli.
Misilli had denied the verbal attack on the SDP Chairman by his boss, describing it as, “a lie from the pit of hell”. According to him, “There was absolutely no confrontation or assault at the airport involving the Governor, absolutely non”.
He added that, “Such baseless propaganda is an attempt at cheap blackmail and will take you nowhere. It is unfortunate that the SDP Acting Chairman in Gombe resorts to making up falsehood to gain attention. We urge the public to disregard these misleading claims”.
However, in a Press release to newsmen by the SDP Acting Chairman, Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, he described Misilli’s response as misleading and baseless.
According to him, “The statement, which seeks to downplay the unfortunate incident that occurred during a flight from Gombe to Abuja, is nothing but an attempt to distort the truth and mislead the public”.
Comrade Adamu said, “To set the records straight, it is an undeniable fact that during the said flight, the Acting Chairman of SDP Gombe State, Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, extended due courtesy and respect to the Governor, in line with the decorum and maturity expected in political engagements.
“However, in a shocking display of intolerance and lack of statesmanship, Governor Inuwa Yahaya responded with aggression, launching into a heated verbal attack, and even attempting to physically assault the SDP Chairman”.
The release reads further, “Despite this provocation, Comrade Modibbo demonstrated exemplary composure and maturity by refusing to engage in any retaliatory action. The heated exchange persisted until the flight landed in Abuja, where the matter escalated.
“The press statement from the Governor’s media team, which denied this incident, is nothing but an attempt at face-saving propaganda.
“Instead of addressing the Governor’s unacceptable behavior, they have resorted to name-calling, gaslighting, and outright denial. This further exposes the administration’s habitual disregard for decorum, democratic engagement, and opposition voices.
“We challenge the Gombe State Government to prove that this incident did not happen rather than issuing empty rhetoric.
“Let it be known that intimidation and reckless conduct will not deter the SDP from its commitment to providing a credible alternative for the people of Gombe State.
“We urge the public to see through this desperate attempt to cover up the truth. The people of Gombe deserve leaders who embody humility, maturity, and respect for democratic principles, not those who resort to intimidation and suppression”, the party admonished.
End.