Gombe Airport Manager Stops Pantami’s Water Gift to Returning Pilgrims
By Auwal Abdullah
Airport authorities in Gombe State on Saturday reportedly stopped the distribution of bottled water donated by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to the second and final batch of pilgrims returning from the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The development came a day after the same gesture was successfully carried out during the arrival of the first batch of Gombe pilgrims on Friday.
Sources familiar with the arrangement said the bottled water was donated by Pantami as a goodwill gesture to welcome the returning pilgrims and ease their journey home. The donation was distributed without incident to the first batch of pilgrims, with many beneficiaries reportedly expressing appreciation for the gesture.
However, airport management allegedly prevented volunteers from distributing the water when the second and final batch of pilgrims arrived on Saturday.
Following the restriction, the bottled water was reportedly diverted to the Gombe Hajj Camp, where it was distributed to returning pilgrims as well as relatives, friends and other well-wishers who had gathered to receive them.
The reason for the sudden decision remains unclear, as airport authorities had not publicly explained why the distribution was permitted during Friday’s arrival but halted a day later.
The development has generated discussions among residents and stakeholders, with some questioning the circumstances surrounding the move.
While no official explanation has been provided, some observers have linked the action to the prevailing political climate in the state. Pantami is widely regarded as a leading figure in the opposition and is reported to be the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the next election cycle.
However, there was no official confirmation that political considerations influenced the decision, and airport authorities have yet to comment on the allegations.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the airport management and representatives of Pantami were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The returning pilgrims were among the final contingent of Gombe State pilgrims being airlifted home after participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
