Gombe Emirate Debunks Claim Emir Was Prevented from Meeting Pantami, Warns Against Politicising Traditional Institution
…Says Emir, PDP Governorship Candidate Enjoy Cordial Relationship
The Palace of the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, has dismissed as false allegations circulating on social media that the monarch was prevented from meeting former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, during his tenure in office.
The palace described the claims as baseless, politically motivated and calculated to create unnecessary tension, insisting that the Emir and Professor Pantami have always maintained a cordial and respectful relationship.
The allegations were reportedly made by Affan Buba Abuya, a former aide to Professor Pantami, in a social media post that suggested the Emir was denied access to the former minister while he served in the Federal Executive Council.
Reacting to the claims, the Palace, through the Ajiya Masu Gombe and Leader of the Lamurde Gombe Youth Forum, categorically denied that any such incident ever occurred.
Speaking during a broadcast on Progress Radio International, monitored and translated from Hausa into English by PRNigeria, the palace spokesman urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as false and capable of undermining the respect accorded to the traditional institution.
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“I want to make it clear that no one should make frivolous or unfounded allegations against the Emir. What was said about the Emir of Gombe is completely false. The Emir is a respected traditional ruler and a leader of great honour. There was never any incident where he was prevented from meeting Professor Pantami,” he said.
He stressed that there has always been mutual respect between the Emir and the former minister, adding that attempts to portray otherwise were intended to create divisions for political purposes.
The palace further cautioned individuals against circulating content considered disrespectful to the Emir, noting that such actions run contrary to the cultural values and traditions of the people of Gombe.
“In Gombe, we were raised to hold our traditional rulers in the highest esteem. Even mentioning the Emir’s name casually is regarded as disrespectful. We have advised those involved to stop circulating such clips because they are offensive to our cultural values,” he said.
He warned that the palace would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found deliberately tarnishing the image of the Emir, regardless of their social or political status.
“We may take legal action against anyone, irrespective of who they are, because this concerns the dignity and integrity of our Emir,” he added.
The Ajiya also criticised attempts to drag the traditional institution into partisan politics, urging politicians and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with decorum and respect.
“As representatives of the Lamurde Gombe Youth Forum, we strongly condemn any attempt to ridicule or demean our Emir. Those promoting political candidates should focus on their programmes and ideas instead of dragging respected elders and traditional institutions into political contests,” he said.
The palace reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the neutrality and dignity of the Gombe Emirate, while urging political actors to avoid statements or actions capable of undermining the unity and harmony of the state.
By PRNigeria
