Gombe: Governor Yahaya Faces Another Defection As Aide Joins NNPP

By G9ija

Chokalin Waja, the former special assistant (SA) to the Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has announced his resignation and defection to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

This comes just one week after the former chairman of the NNPP in Gombe state defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter issued on Wednesday, February 7th, 2023, Waja, a traditional title holder in the Balanga Chiefdom, stated that his departure from his position was due to a perceived lack of respect for rules and regulations by the state government. Waja had been appointed as the SA for Information and Strategy in December 2022.

He stated, “I was appointed as SA, going by terms of reference in my appointment, I am expected to assist the Governor on issues relating to the government including on how to deliver good governance and even how to win the forthcoming elections.”

“I realized that I was appointed to do nothing. Even when things are going wrong, nobody listens or wants to take advice from the government.”

The Chokalin Waja told reporters in Gombe, “Even the salary I was placed on was not sufficient to work as a political office holder who is expected to work with people and give a kind of returns to the party (the All Progressives Congress, APC).”

“As a political appointee, in political or election period, you are expected to assist and support the governor in seeing people to ensure the party’s success,” he added.

In explaining his decision to join the NNPP, Waja expressed his belief that the party’s candidate for governor is the most capable and ready team in the running for the position in the state.

He also said, “Mailantarki has the requirements to be a better governor for Gombe. He has everything ranging from human relations, zeal and ideas to deliver good governance and move Gombe out of the current challenges”.

“That was why I joined the NNPP and believed we would work for the party and deliver it at all levels of the elections. The people of Gombe state are tired of recycling these veteran politicians who always prioritize friends and family,” Chokalin Waja said.