Gombe govt rejects Amnesty’s ‘culture of impunity’ claim, says internal probe ongoing

The Gombe State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International that an assault involving an aide to the Chief of Staff reflects a “culture of impunity” in the state, describing the claim as a mischaracterisation of an isolated incident. In a statement issued on Friday, the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said the […]

The Gombe State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International that an assault involving an aide to the Chief of Staff reflects a “culture of impunity” in the state, describing the claim as a mischaracterisation of an isolated incident.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said the government was concerned by what it called “sweeping conclusions and unfounded generalizations” in Amnesty’s response to the incident.

“The attempt to portray the isolated incident as a reflection of official government policy or a so-called ‘culture of impunity’ is not only inaccurate but unfair and misleading,” Misilli said.

He stressed that the aide involved acted in a personal capacity and not on the instruction or authority of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya or the state government.

“First, it is important to clearly state that the individual involved acted strictly in his personal capacity and not on the instruction, authority or behalf of the Governor or the Government of Gombe State,” he said.

The government maintained that it does not condone violence or abuse of power, insisting that the Yahaya administration has a record of respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“Contrary to Amnesty International’s claims, the Government of Gombe State… has consistently demonstrated zero tolerance for thuggery, lawlessness and abuse of power,” the statement read.

Misilli expressed disappointment that Amnesty, which he described as a “globally respected human rights organization,” issued its statement without seeking the government’s position.

“It is therefore disappointing that Amnesty International would rush to the press without adequately verifying facts or seeking the Government’s position, and proceed to cast aspersions on the Governor and the entire state government based on a single incident that is still under internal review,” he said.

He assured the public that steps had already been taken to address the matter in line with due process.

“The Government wishes to assure the public that appropriate internal mechanisms have already been activated to address the matter in line with the law and established procedures. Due process will be followed, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” Misilli said.

The government also warned against politicising the incident or linking it to the governor.

“We strongly caution against the politicization of this incident or the deliberate attempt to drag the name of the Governor and the Government into an issue that is clearly an individual matter,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the administration said Gombe remains open to dissent and civic engagement.

“Gombe State remains a place where dissenting opinions are tolerated, political engagement is encouraged and civic space is protected,” Misilli said.

He called on Amnesty International and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and verify facts before making public pronouncements.

“The Government of Gombe State therefore calls on Amnesty International and other stakeholders to exercise restraint, accuracy, and responsibility in their public commentary,” he said, adding that “broad accusations that fail to reflect the reality on the ground only mislead the public and undermine trust.”

The statement concluded that the state remains committed to “peace, justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all its citizens.”