Fintiri: I Won’t Impose Or Control My Successor

…Highlights Achievements as Adamawa Marks 35 Years

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has declared that he will neither impose a successor nor attempt to control whoever eventually succeeds him as governor, stressing that the people should be allowed to determine their leaders.

Fintiri stated this while featuring on the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Yola, live programme, Taba Kidi Taba Karatu, as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Adamawa State.

The governor said he has never allowed himself to be controlled by anyone in politics and would not subject his successor to such political interference.

According to him, allowing leaders to operate independently is important for political stability, warning that attempts by former leaders to control their successors often create divisions and disagreements.

He stressed that he would not want such a situation to occur in Adamawa, adding that the people should be allowed to determine who leads them.

Fintiri said his administration remains committed to strengthening democracy, promoting political stability and ensuring peaceful transitions in the state.

Development Across 21 LGAs, 226 Wards

Speaking on the development recorded since his administration came on board, the governor said interventions have reached all 21 Local Government Areas and 226 wards of the state.

He said his government has deliberately pursued development across communities to ensure that residents benefit from infrastructure and other dividends of democracy regardless of their location.

On education, Fintiri said the sector has witnessed significant improvement, particularly in the performance of students in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

The governor also highlighted progress in the health sector, saying nine new hospitals have been constructed within the seven years of his administration, in addition to 111 primary healthcare centres across the state.

He said the judiciary has equally received considerable attention, with courts upgraded to modern standards and qualified personnel provided to strengthen the administration of justice.

According to him, the interventions across various sectors form part of Adamawa State’s continuing development journey 35 years after its creation.

Media, Governance and Peace

Fintiri also highlighted what he described as the transformation of the state’s media sector, noting that government-owned media organisations have been renovated and equipped with modern facilities to improve their operations.

He cited ABC Yola as an example, saying the station has received significant attention and has returned to full operations with improved facilities.

On governance, the governor said his administration has blocked leakages and strengthened the management of public resources to ensure that government funds are deployed for the benefit of the people.

He identified inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence, unity and harmony among the people as some of the major legacies his administration intends to leave behind.

Fintiri recalled that before he assumed office, some communities, particularly in Numan, were experiencing disagreements and a lack of harmony, but said his administration worked to restore peace and mutual understanding.

He maintained that his government has touched virtually every sector through programmes and projects designed to improve the living conditions of residents.

On transportation, Fintiri said the administration procured buses to make transportation easier and more affordable for residents.

Medical Institution, Shopping Complex and Ongoing Projects

Speaking on the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, the governor said his administration secured the necessary approval from the Federal Government before embarking on efforts to support the development of the institution.

He called on individuals who politicise development issues because of personal interests to desist, stressing that development should be pursued in the collective interest of citizens.

According to the governor, the medical institution has also been expanded with five faculties to strengthen medical education and training.

Fintiri further announced that the allocation of shops at the Jimeta Shopping Complex would commence in September, adding that several ongoing projects across the state would be completed within the next nine months.

He assured residents that the resources required to complete the projects are available and reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing its projects before leaving office.

The governor added that due process would continue to guide the execution of government programmes and projects.

Alignment With Federal Government

Speaking on his administration’s alignment with the APC-led Federal Government, Fintiri said every political decision has a reason, explaining that his decisions are driven by the need to attract greater development and opportunities to Adamawa State.

He said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the development of the country, adding that Adamawa must position itself to benefit from opportunities at the national level.

The governor also disclosed plans to provide 26 megawatts of solar energy to residents of the state, describing the initiative as another major step towards improving electricity supply and stimulating economic activities.

Fintiri Moves to Reconcile Aspirants

On reconciliation following the recent primary elections, Fintiri said efforts are ongoing to bring together winners, unsuccessful aspirants and other political stakeholders to ensure unity and collective commitment to the development of Adamawa State.

He dismissed insinuations that some candidates who emerged from the party’s primaries would be replaced, saying there was no basis for such rumours.

Fintiri maintained that the principles of justice and fairness would guide the party’s political activities, assuring that no candidate would be replaced outside established rules and due process.

The governor reiterated that he has remained politically independent throughout his career and would extend the same freedom to whoever succeeds him.

He maintained that his responsibility is to contribute towards a peaceful and democratic transition while allowing the people of Adamawa State to determine their future leadership.