By John Bulus

THE high turnout was simply unexpected. Given the speculations in some quarters of the State prior to the event of the eruption of another cycle of violence like the one that trailed the Presidential election in April only a few persons could have mustered the courage to leave their homes to witness the ceremony. But that was far from being the case. In fact, the people defiled every conceivable ill-thought of crisis and came out in their numbers to catch a glimpse of the epoch-making event which threw palpable joy and excitement in the air.

The venue was the ultra-modern, Olympic size, FIFA rated Gombe International stadium and the event was the inauguration of the new government in Gombe state. To Gombe people, the swearing-in-ceremony of Ahaji Ibrahim Hassan Dakwambo and Mr. David Miyims Albashi as the new Governor and Deputy Governor of the state on Sunday, May 29, 2011 was a day destiny called to keep a date with history. It was a new dawn which heralded new hopes and aspirations.

Given his background and connections as the former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), many believe that the state under Dankwambo would witness a massive lift in all parameters. And notably, in the area of peace given the wanton destruction of lives and property worth billions of Naira that followed the April general elections in the state.

Many people are of the opinion that the breach of peace in the state is almost, always caused by clandestine activities of Kalere boys (Political/Area Boys) and wish that the new government will make it a priority to stamp it out in the state.

Interestingly, the new governor has taken note of that. In fact, that explains why thunderous applause greeted his remarks about tackling, head on, the menace of the hoodlums.

Dankwambo: “In the area of security, we will continue to carry the security agencies along in solving problems that may pose threat to security of lives and property. We will also strengthen the highway patrols, check points, continue to control the influx of Udawa cattle Marauders who have been destroying farm lands and causing communal clashes, and deal decisively with the Kalere Boys’ menace, especially in Gombe metropolis”.

Perhaps, another point the new governor raised that gave vent for a heave of sigh of relief, especially to the opposition was his promise to run an open door policy government, calling for constructive critisms from well – meaning individuals and groups.

Meanwhile the former governor, Alhaji Danjuma Goje in his valedictory speech at the occasion, reflected on his eight years as Governor of the State and profusely thanked the people of the state for giving him the opportunity to serve them. He enumerated the achievements of his government to include the Gombe International Airport, the newly commissioned Gombe International Hotel, the FIFA ranked stadium, the Gombe Regional Water Scheme, the Gombe State University amongst others.

Goje also canvassed for support from the people to the new regime, expressing optimism that given the pedigree of the new governor in his previous public assignments, the state is sure to be taken to greater heights.

The ceremony which turned out to be colourful event featured who-is-who in the state and beyond as men of the Nigerian Police and different school children in the State staged a match past with the new governor taking salute.

To this end, hopes are high that before the end of his term in 2015, Dankwambo is sure to leave the state better than he met it.