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Gombe: TCO Seeks Clarification Over Alleged Plan to Designate Tangale Ancestral Lands for Pastoral Settlement
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) has called on the Gombe State Government to publicly clarify allegations that portions of the Tangale ancestral highlands in Billiri Local Government Area may be designated for pastoral settlement.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s spokesman, Dr. Eli Ibrahim Kerek, following consultations with the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), the Kwagam Tangale Socio-Cultural Association (KTSCA) and the Tangale Elders Forum (TEF), TCO said any action affecting indigenous lands without the consent of the host communities would be unacceptable.
The concerns followed a June 24, 2026 statement by the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria (CJREN), which alleged that the Gombe State Government was considering plans that could restrict indigenous access to parts of the Tangale highlands while opening portions for pastoral settlement. The state government has not publicly confirmed the claims.
“The Tangale homeland is not vacant land. It is not state property to be redistributed at will. It is the living inheritance of a people whose history predates modern administrative structures,” the statement said.
TCO argued that any proposal to allocate, reclassify or restrict access to Tangale ancestral lands without the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities would violate customary land rights and internationally recognised principles protecting indigenous peoples.
The group urged the state government to clarify whether any discussions, policy proposals or official documents exist regarding the alleged plan. It also demanded the publication of all relevant documents, independent verification of land use in the affected areas, including Kumana and Kufai, and assurances that no ancestral land would be acquired or reassigned without transparent consultation.
The organisation also questioned a recent rejoinder by the Tangale Traditional Council, saying it failed to clarify whether traditional rulers participated in meetings with government officials on the alleged proposal.
“The Tangale people are entitled to the truth. Silence, evasion and half-statements cannot substitute for accountability,” TCO stated.
The group disputed the council’s claim that farming does not take place on the highlands, insisting that many residents depend on farmland in the area for their livelihoods.
It described the Tangale highlands as central to the identity and heritage of the people, citing ancestral settlements, sacred hills used for traditional rites, the historic Mai Tangale Palace site and early Christian mission locations, including the first church and school established in Tangale land.
“Any policy affecting these locations without meaningful consultation would amount to cultural dispossession,” the statement added, warning that restrictions could also threaten food production and household incomes.
TCO also referenced the ongoing court case over the Mai Tangale stool, arguing that institutions whose authority is being challenged should not make conclusive pronouncements on matters relating to ancestral lands. It noted that the TCDA had earlier established an alternative cultural structure, Tangale PONAR, and urged the government to exercise caution until the legal dispute is resolved.
The group appealed to residents to remain peaceful and pursue their concerns through lawful means.
“We reject secrecy. We reject exclusion. We reject any process that treats our ancestral homeland as disposable,” the statement said.
As of press time, the Gombe State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
News
ENGR. BELLO BABAYO BELLO FELICITATES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA ON RENOMINATION
Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his renomination as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his message, Engr. Bello described the renomination as a beautiful affirmation of the Vice President’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Senator Shettima, himself a former Senator of the Federal Republic, has consistently embodied resilience, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that continue to inspire confidence across the nation.
“This renomination is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people,” Engr. Bello stated. “It reflects the trust of the party and the citizens in your ability to guide our country toward greater progress, peace, and prosperity. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, and this endorsement is richly deserved.”
Engr. Bello further emphasized that Senator Shettima’s political journey has been marked by courage and service. From his tenure as Governor of Borno State to his current role as Vice President, he has consistently championed initiatives that address national challenges, foster economic growth, and promote inclusive development.
As a leader in the power sector, Engr. Bello highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving infrastructure and energy reforms. He expressed confidence that Senator Shettima’s continued role in government will further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver reliable power, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Vice President wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the nation with distinction. “May Allah bless your efforts, guide your decisions, and grant you success as you carry forward the responsibility of leadership,” he added.
The message concluded with a reaffirmation of goodwill and support: “Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We look forward to your continued contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
Signed:Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSEExecutive Director (Networks)Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)
News
Former Perm. Sec Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi Commends Gov.Yusuf Over The Nomination Of Murtala Garo As Running Mate
By Jabiru Hassan
A former Permanent Secretary in Kano State, Malam Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi, has commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for nominating Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as his running mate for the 2027 general elections.
In a congratulatory message issued shortly after the announcement, Malam Ahmad Tijjani described the choice as “a bold and strategic decision” that reflects the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and the progress of Kano State.
According to him, “The nomination of His Excellency, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor is a clear demonstration that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a true democrat whose policies and ideology are centered on the development of Kano State in this democratic dispensation..” He further stated: “I am confident that this partnership will bring real and positive changes to Kano politics.
Hon. Garo has the quality, experience, and determination to contribute his quota towards the progress of our dear state and its political landscape.” Malam Ahmad Tijjani expressed optimism that the people of Kano will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy under the joint leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.
He thanked the Governor for his visionary and people-oriented leadership, and congratulated Hon. Murtala Sule Garo on his nomination, praying that Allah grants them the wisdom and strength to deliver effective transformation for Kano State.
News
Power Belongs to God, A Study of Solomon Akpulonu’s ” Ikemsinachi” philosophy
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
Hon. Solomon Akpulonu’s, PDP’s candidate for Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo federal constituency, political philosophy that ” His Power Comes from God” will continue to attract attention and deep reflection among critical minds. This aligns with the scriptural adminitoon that ” the race is not for swiftest rather time and seasons define and determine outcomes of events under the sun.
This political philosophy is indeed apt and falls within the realms of recent ambition. The Bible contains several instances where people who sought power, position, or authority through pride, deceit, rebellion, or selfish ambition were ultimately thwarted by God.
Notable examples abound to this effect.One is the” Tower of Babel” episode as recorded in Genesis 11:1–9. Here, the people sought to build a tower that would reach heaven to make a name for themselves and establish human greatness independent of God. “Come, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name…” (Genesis 11:4). God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. The lesson is that human ambition that exalts itself above God will ultimately fail.
Another is the Korah, Dathan and Abiram experience as captured in Numbers 16.They challenged the God-given leadership of Moses and Aaron.Ye take too much upon you…”God thwarted their ambition by the earth opening and swallowing them and their followers. The lesson here is that God defends legitimate authority and opposes rebellious ambition.
Akpulonu’s Unique Selling Point (USP) is that all these while he has surrendered his ambitions within the realms of decent political ambition,unlike majority of political- power seekers who fire their ambitions beyond reasonable limits, fitting Thomas Wolsey’s charge to Cromwell to align his ambition within reasonable limits. Akpulonu’s alignment of his political- power ambition with the dictates and perfect will of God is a clear testing that” self- appointment can never replace God’s choice “. Indeed, power comes from God.” Ikesinachi!”
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