2023: The Easy Choice In Adamawa
By: Yasir Bala
Choosing a leader in Nigeria is a big deal. This task is made even more herculean by the antics and shenanigans of clearly dubious politicians whose approach is always to unsight the populace with half-truths and outright lies. Even those whose legendary incompetence is already a bold entry into the history books always fancy their chances, believing that money can bring them power. This is why it is imperative for Nigerians to peel their eyes and really get involved in the shopping of a befitting candidate.
In Adamawa, the incumbent Governor, Fintiri has made that choice easy for the populace. His excellent showing since ousting the erstwhile incumbent, Jibrilla Bindow has been nothing short of amazing. The people of Adamawa themselves, having seen the impact that the Fintiri administration has made since assuming office, have taken it upon themselves to guard his administration jealously.
You can’t be from Adamawa state and not fight to retain the administration of Umaru Fintiri. The incumbent inherited a state in shambles. Workers at all level were groaning under the sheer weight of an evil salary regime even as security witnessed an unprecedented breakdown and education crashed to the bottom of the sea. Retirees were on the cusps of depression as several of them have to be put on a waiting list until such a time that death to existing retirees frees up space for others to be enlisted.
Perhaps the worst hit of the state’s workers were those in the LGA’s. The predecessor of Fintiri declared that LGA workers are not entitled to salaries but something he referred to as SIA whatever that means. Under this orientation, Mr. Bindow ensured that LGA workers became paupers of the highest order. Their income was so battered that banks blacklisted them completely from accessing credit facilities.
On the security front, Southern Adamawa, a hitherto peaceful region was turned into crisis prone area where citizens lived with their hearts in their mouths. Bindow deliberately promoted the activities of the Shilla boys – a dangerous band of thugs whose stock in trade is brigandage and harassment of the erstwhile governors opponents real or imagined.
It is on record that before the coming of Fintiri, Adamawa became the one state in Nigeria where a state Government will serve four years without constructing as little as a single critical infrastructure. Roads, schools, hospitals etc. Were left in ruins as several LGA’S were caught off from the state capital. It was through Fintiri’s accelerated development programme that several critical roads were constructed. It becomes even better because, his excellency, governor Umaru Fintiri has made it clear that the people can only expect more.
In his declaration for reelection, he made it clear that he plans to focus more on the welfare of the citizens, but most importantly, he plans to continue his agricultural revolution with improved funding and support. Only recently, the Fintiri led Adamawa state government procured liquid fertilizer in preparation for the farming season already upon us. From a state in dire need of security, Adamawa is currently among the best destinations for tourism and business. Governor Fintiri’s dedication to infrastructural development has seen him construct critical infrastructure including over 56 kilometers of roads linking LGA’S to the state capital. Gombi and other LGA’S in Adamawa South that were on the verge of been cutoff from the capital have now been reintegration with the construction of critical linking roads.
Without doubt, the people of Adamawa have it easy going into 2023. Governor Fintiri has exposed the people to true governance. For the first time, the people understand what it means to be governed and not bullied into submission. It will take much more than cheap lies to convince the people of Adamawa to ditch their performing governor.
Bala writes from Yola
