How politically wise is Governor Fintiri?
There was hate outburst by the nation’s rulling All Progressives Congress, APC, about Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s decision in denying them access to Ribadu Square, in Yola, Adamawa state, for their campaign flag off. The governor expectedly stopped the ongoing renovation and granted them access to the place for peace to reign. However, the APC which is the opposition party in Adamawa state felt dishonoured and opted another venue for the occasion.
Consequently, all forms of insults, cooked lies, and stories were circulated against the governor, but surprisingly, the governor, who is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, despite his vast political experience didn’t utter a word and singlehandedly dealt with the political noisemakers. Indeed, Governor Fintiri is good at using silence to treat issues in the more salient way by showing a high sense of responsibility.
However, the ruling APC campaign team was also clever to have relocated to another venue in the outskirts of the Jimeta-Yola metropolis for its campaign. This helped to deny many visitors to the state from seeing the wonders the current administration has done, especially in transforming Jimeta-Yola into a developed modern metropolis.
Honestly, Adamawa people are politically enlightened and know better how to play the game of politics. Many people are now trooping into Jimeta to show solidarity and unflinching support for the APC governorship candidate in the state Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru Ahmad Binani. Binani is a very strong woman known for her untiring support for women and children. This group of people has more than enough reason to support and campaign for her. Can she win the forthcoming governorship election due to the clear driving forces that the governor has underground?
Given the physical developmental projects in the state and the excellent job done in the areas of education, health and civil servants’ welfare, and the security need of the state; and the wise handling of political matters by Governor Fintiri, does Binani stand a chance?
Unlike what we saw in Maiduguri, Borno state during Atiku’s visit, where clear enmity was shown by those in authority, the governor of Adamawa state maintained the tempo and made sure that the APC campaign flag-off was hitch-free even though, Adamawa is Atiku’s home state .
Fintiri can now handle local champion politicians in Adamawa and the whole Nigerian politicians very well. His sense of honesty and hospitality has paid and every like-minded politician in Adamawa regardless of the political party must applaud his doggedness and extraordinary political approach.
Despite the immense and intense political pressure on him, the Incumbent governor was seen leading President Muhammadu Buhari’s entourage to the Lamido of Adamawa’s palace with due respect and dignity; no iota or any kind of political differences – something difficult for many to do and least expected from the governor himself.
Fintiri may win or lose the forthcoming election but his true loyalty, respect for almost all the politicians around including the opposition, and commitment to the masses show his quality as a competent gentleman that has the required leadership qualities.
Besides, the political rivalry in Adamawa is productive and lays some level of playing ground for every politician to be mindful of his words and actions. This has led to development in terms of infrastructure and social welfare.
Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng,
Yola, Adamawa state
